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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Antrim man launches fitness clothing range after hitting rock bottom

An Antrim man has revealed how his own struggles inspired him to launch a clothing range, with £1 from every sale going to mental health charities.

Kevin Downey works as a personal trainer and that work involves embracing challenges and pushing himself and others to new limits.

But Kevin told Belfast Live that a few years ago, he had all but lost hope of overcoming his own mental health battle.

Read more: North Belfast's mental health pandemic 'has been in crisis for years'

"I went through a real tough time, I had my marriage break down and I lost my father a few years go," he said.

"I didn't even realise I was going downhill until it hit me with a bang, I really didn't want to be here anymore - I have children and yet nothing was getting through.

"I remember seriously considering how I was going to end my life and that the world would be a better place without me.

"Then one day, I just remember breaking down in a work van and ringing my mum and she really helped me and got me on the right track.

"I went to the doctor and got myself on a bit of medication and I just asked for help."

Kevin says that decision proved to be literally life-changing and that he has had a big focus on helping charities that work with people on their mental health ever since.

"I have the PT-ing and I do kids classes now and make them try to understand the benefit of exercise and breathing techniques that can make you feel better and things like that," he said.

"I ran a boxing show that went really well, it raised over £6,000 and we have £4,000 to Mindskills and the rest was split between local charities.

"And I just recently took the head staggers and thought I'm going to do this clothing line.

"It's called B-Urself and now I'm just trying to grow it and hopefully put more eyes on mental health and suicide awareness.

"In every sale, there's a £1 going to charities - split between Mindskills and local Antrim charities.

"There's a charity called Fresh Minds in Antrim and they do a lot of stuff with kids and children and I think that's a great age to be doing it at, because it stays with them for life then."

His advice for anyone who was finding in tough or who really needed help, was to put their pride to one side and reach out.

"Kids and men especially, kids don't understand how to talk and men just don't do it and women are that bit better than men at it," he said.

"I was always too proud to ask for help, I hid from it, I always put it to the back of my head and always tried to forget about it.

"I know the position I was in and I know I was lucky enough and mentally strong enough by asking for help, so if I could get that cross to people, I'd be happy," he said.

"But the biggest thing I ever did was I asked for help.

"I've coached people in the past and behind the scenes I haven't charged fees, I just wanted to get them on a good standing again and understanding that there is help there if you ask for it."

Kevin told Belfast Live that his own experiences have given him a different perspective on life and that he has since re-evaluated what is important to him.

"I used to be a wild worrier about money, but now it doesn't bother me as much.

"I would rather be helping someone and seeing them making an improvement in their life, than out earning whatever.

"Money comes and goes you know, but the mental aspect of your life is the most important, for me anyway.

"I would have been the most withdrawn person in the world - I maybe would have been laughing and joking with the boys or whatever, but inside I felt like I was crumbling.

"You'll usually find that the people that seem the happiest can often be the ones that are struggling."

If you or someone you know is in distress or despair call the 24/7 freephone crisis helpline Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

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