'Boxing saved my life after I nearly ended it all'
A prison worker who planned to take his own life before changing his mind when he looked at a picture of his son says taking up boxing helped him to turn things around.
Robert Edwards, from Wolverhampton, has worked as an officer and then as a dog handler at prisons across the West Midlands for about 20 years.
During his career, he has witnessed a number of traumatic events, including inmates committing suicide and having to attend to the bodies.
"I didn't process everything that happened. I just buried it," the father-of-two said.
Mr Edwards, who would later be diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), said he would shut himself off from his family and his colleagues.
The 53-year-old said he was pushed to the edge during 2023 and 2024, which resulted in the end of his marriage and an emotional breakdown at work.
"I had been struggling for years. I had flashbacks, I couldn't sleep but still I didn't speak to anyone about what was going on," he said.
"I was in a very dark place and had planned how I was going to take my own life. It was only when I saw a photo of my son on my phone that I stopped myself."
With the "amazing" support of his manager at work and his family, including his ex-wife, Mr Edwards sought the help he needed and he was prescribed talking therapies and counselling, which he said were life-changing.
"Counselling helped me unpack it all," he added. "You have to fully embrace counselling and be open and honest or it won't work."
He also joined Ultra White Collar Boxing and had his first fight earlier this year, during which he raised about £100 for the Mental Health Foundation.
As well as helping him to be more active, Mr Edwards said meeting people and socialising during the training sessions were a lifeline.
"The boxing training gave me focus, helped my mental health," he said.
"It let me release years of built-up tension and I made great friends. The whole experience saved my life."
'Act of real courage'
Ahead of International Men's Day on 19 November, Mr Edwards said he wants to raise awareness of the issues around men's mental health.
"Men in demanding jobs are told to 'man up' but that's wrong," he said. "I was the angriest man in the prison service and I alienated everyone.
"Now I'm the happiest I've been since my 20s and at peace with my life.
"My perspective on life has changed for the better and I'm investing in myself."
Alexa Knight, director of policy and influence at the Mental Health Foundation, praised Mr Edwards for sharing his story, describing it as an "act of real courage".
"Too often, men feel unable to speak out about their mental health, especially when they've been taught to stay silent, cope alone or 'man up'," she said.
"Robert's honesty helps challenge that harmful narrative and shows that asking for help is not only brave but life-saving."
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