A YORK man has spoken about his struggle with depression to help people dealing with their own mental health issues.

Ian Cartwright spoke to the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to create the five-minute film, which was released online this week to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Ian - who works for City of York Council - discusses his 30 years of dealing with depression, and said: "I hope that by speaking openly about my experiences, it will encourage others to do the same and get the help they need. You’re not alone, there are many other people out there who suffer from depression.

"I can honestly say that I was embarrassed when I was first diagnosed with depression and in the times thereafter, but as soon as I was able to admit that I suffered from depression it opened up so many conversations with people who have suffered similar circumstances."

Ian, 60, found help through compassion-focused therapy at the Tuke Centre at The Retreat in York, and he now draws on his experiences to challenge how society perceives mental health in his role as Time to Change Co-Ordinator for York CVS.

He also owns Imagine Projects, a community-focused project management organisation which he developed as part of his recovery from depression.

Ian said: "It’s important to listen to your body as much as your mind. If you’re working hard, overtime, making a big contribution, then a work-life balance is really important."

Dr Louise Barker, the CCG’s clinical lead for mental health and learning disability services, said: "I’d like to thank Ian for sharing his story about his mental health struggles. It takes great courage to talk about issues of such a personal nature and by sharing his experiences he will help others going through similar difficult circumstances."

Ian said his ten tips for good mental health were:

1) Talk to someone

2) Keep active

3) Eat well

4) Drink sensibly

5) Keep in touch with friends

6) Ask for help

7) Take a break

8) Do something you enjoy

9) Accept who you are

10) Help others.

On Friday, members of the public can take part in a walk on York's walls between 4pm and 6pm to support York Mind.

The event was promoted by York City Knights half-back Liam Jackson and foundation delivery manager Adam Prentis with mascots Norris the Knight and Edgar the Elephant this week, who called on residents to donate £5 each to help raise at least £500.

More than 80 people have already signed up, and Knights general manager Neil Gulliver said mental health was "a key element of our Men’s Health programme".

He said: "Health and mental wellbeing form a huge part of the work that the Knights Foundation undertakes in changing lives in York and across North Yorkshire and The York Walls Walk is a great way for people to show their support."

To register for the walk, go to yorkmind.org.uk/events/york-walls-walk, phone 01904 404940 or email holly.bilton@yorkmind.org.uk