That’s the message from Gwent Police Federation member PC Martyn Sanders ahead of World Mental Health Day, which takes place on Tuesday (10 October).

Martyn has bravely opened up about his own mental health experiences in the hope it will encourage others to seek the help and support they need.

He said: “I’m not ashamed about talking about it to anyone.

“With mental ill health, it can affect anyone at any time.

Gwent Police Federation member PC Martyn Sanders.

“You just don’t know if it’s going to happen or what the effects are going to be, and it can be frightening.”

Martyn has been a police officer with Gwent Police for more than 24 years, spending the first 23 of them on the frontline.

“Over the last few years I realised I was suffering with mental ill health,” he said. “It came to a head a few years ago when I changed roles.

“I was finding policing quite difficult and on the advice of medical staff I came away from a public-facing role.

“I now have an office-based role to help me with the work side of things.”

Martyn described how his own mental health moved in cycles.

“At this particular time I feel low mood because we had a bereavement in my family two months ago,” he said.

“My brother-in-law passed away at 41. It was totally unexpected and I think that’s been a bit of a trigger.

“About three months ago I did a talk about men’s mental health for Gwent Police.

“I went into one of the local police stations and spoke for 40 minutes on managing depression and how I do it.

“I’ve gone from that to feeling in a really low mood.

“I’ve been in the police for all those years and I’ve been to horrendous scenes but when it’s a family member it’s completely different and I do get affected by it.

“I’ve got coping mechanisms in place, but I still find it difficult to manage at times.

“At this particular time I’m anxious worrying about the little things.”

Martyn is currently taking medication and going for counselling to manage his mental health issues.

“I find keeping busy helps,” he said. “If you’re thinking negatively about anything, try to do the opposite. Try to counteract it by doing something different.

“I play golf, which relaxes me. And I like doing DIY around the house, and that distracts me.”

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health and drive positive change for people’s mental health.

It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling. 

“It’s really important,” said Martyn. “Don’t suffer in silence.

“If you’re feeling of low mood, speak to someone. Get it off your chest or otherwise.

“I’ve been in situations where I’ve carried things for months feeling the way I was.

“It can be a breath of fresh air talking to somebody. There’s a realisation that you’re not alone.”

READ MORE: Fed chair encourages members to register for PFEW Conference.