Conquering The Long Dark

Matt loves playing Xbox survival game The Long Dark with his teenage son, but for the 48 year-old who lives in South East London, the game is more than just entertainment – it reflects his own long and challenging journey through mental health battles that have affected him for half his life. With the support of Able Futures he’s now making real life-sustaining choices and has set himself a new challenge: a year of no days off work due to his mental health. 

Matt was in his mid-20s and living the life of a young, up and coming graphic designer in London when his growing sense of depression resulted in his first mental health breakdown. Diagnosed with acute schizophrenia, it marked the first of what would become a 20-plus year history of often severe mental health episodes. Matt would respond to medication, then his mental condition would ‘bring him to his knees’ again. 

By 2024, Matt was working in retail and despite enjoying his job took prolonged time off sick due to mental health breakdowns. When a healthcare worker suggested he contact Able Futures, he says he expected similar therapy to the countless cycles he’d attended before but ‘had nothing to lose’. 

He was soon pleasantly surprised at the impact of speaking with his Able Future’s mental health coach, Anita. With no wait times, and nine-months of government funded support, he believes Anita has put him on a path away from future breakdowns.  

“Anita has, hands-down, kept me in work,” says Matt. “I haven’t had any mental health issues since working with her. She was so personable but professional – everything she said was very relevant and geared to me. She had lots of information and advice to give but just let me talk, I never felt rushed. It didn’t feel like therapy, more like talking to a friend through a professional lens. 

“We talked on the phone and actually that was very refreshing. As a massive over-thinker, I wasn’t looking for body language or facial cues. I felt I could just say anything. Having dreaded past therapy, I began to look forward to my Able Futures calls.” 

Able Futures is led by Ingeus and delivers the government-funded  Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. It provides no cost, vocationally focussed, and nationwide support to anyone currently in work, apprentices, and self-employed people.  

“Having someone to talk through my problems in and out of work was hugely reassuring,” adds Matt, who also utilises his love of street photography and regular gym visits to aid his mental health. 

“It’s different to speaking with friends and family, with whom you might put on a ‘I’m OK’ front. Anita helped me normalise my thoughts and realise how far I’d actually come. She gave me practical tasks to consider that gave me food for thought and helped me identify work triggers. I’d never had therapy before that looked at the positive aspects of work on your mental health. 

“People have so much buzzing in their heads. You’ve got to get it out, say everything. Don’t hold back or you won’t get the benefit of help. My family and employer can see me trying hard to get better. With all the help Anita has given me, I’m well on the way.”