Man who planned suicide during depths of depression speaks about his new outlook on life
Lee Hogarth is now six years free of panic attacks and medication after years of suffering from anxiety and depression before almost taking his own life.
The 31-year-old has suffered from anxiety from the age of nine and fell into depression in his 20s.
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Hide AdLee says he now feels ‘invincible’ after overcoming his ‘one-dimensional life.’
He said: “It got to the point where I was too scared to leave my bedroom, I had mental breakdowns at work and constant panic attacks.
"I went to get help from the NHS, councillors and mentors but I didn’t see an end because I would get fed up of distractions so I just wanted it to all go away and that’s when I planned my own suicide.”
Thankfully, he did not go ahead with his plan to take his own life.
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Hide AdLee, who used to be an electrician, has since set up his fitness company, Invincible, which he hopes can help others who might be struggling with mental health issues.
He said: “I had a well paid job, a family, a house – I had everything, but I wasn’t happy.
"I now have a much more balanced life and that’s why I want to help others to help them become independent and take control of their own lives.”
Mr Hogarth has also planned a fundraising walk to raise money for charity Anxious Minds.
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Hide AdThe fundraising page has already raised £865 and the business owner is determined to raise more money and awareness.
He added: “I was scared to speak up and I used to sit in fear and nobody would know, I now want to reach out and help others.”
On May 1, Lee will attempt to walk as far as he can in 12 hours, aiming to cover 30-40miles
He will start from his home in Washington, passing through Newcastle, onto Wallsend where the charity has a drop-in centre and hub, and then on to South Shields before heading home.