Trigger warning: conversation contains discussion of suicidal thoughts.

Episode summary:
Craig tells the story of how Andy’s Man Club saved his life — from a breakdown at his first meeting to eventually becoming a facilitator who now helps others stay alive and connected. 

Full summary:
In this emotionally honest episode Craig opens up about rock-bottom loneliness after a relationship breakdown, vivid memories of driving to the edge of a tall  bridge with the urge to steer off, and how his first Andy’s Man Club meeting — where he managed only “four words” before breaking down — should have been the moment everyone assumed he wouldn’t return. Instead, that meeting became the beginning of his survival and recovery. Craig walks us through the raw panic, the shame of putting on a front, and the slow, stubborn work of building a support network — and now he pays it forward as a facilitator, changing other men’s lives the way AMC changed his.

Why this episode matters:
This is a real-world example of how peer support and simple consistent human contact can stop a suicide attempt and rebuild a life. Craig’s story bluntly shows how isolation looks from the inside — and how a roomful of blokes willing to listen can be the difference between life and death.

Standout quotes:

• “I got four words in…and then I just broke down. They thought I wouldn’t be back. I was checked out.”
• “There was a bridge. I could feel the steering wheel — that moment was louder than anything else.”
• “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. My son wouldn’t be here.”
• “You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve help. You need someone to hear you.”

Key takeaways / What listeners should do:

1. If you’re feeling that urge — tell someone. Say it to anyone. It breaks the isolation.
2. Andy’s Man Club run weekly groups across the UK and online to build long-term connection. They provide non-judgemental, free talking spaces where men can be honest. 
   https://andysmanclub.co.uk 
3. If someone is in immediate danger or you’re worried they might act on suicidal thoughts, call an emergency service or a 24/7 helpline (see below).  https://www.samaritans.org 

Resources:

• Find an Andy’s Man Club near you / learn about their groups. Andy’s Man Club — a UK men’s suicide-prevention charity running free peer-to-peer talking groups. 
  https://andysmanclub.co.uk 
• Samaritans (UK) — free, 24/7 listening service: 116 123 (from any phone). Call anytime. 
  https://www.samaritans.org 
• NHS / Help for suicidal thoughts — guidance on immediate steps and helplines. 
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/suicidal-feelings/ 
• Mind — mental health helplines & services — list of other helplines (SANE, CALM, etc.) and opening times. Good for region-specific options. 
  https://chatgpt.com/c/68d13cb6-7590-8329-8ec4-587de05c5f6e#:~:text=https%3A//www.mind.org.uk/information%2Dsupport/helplines/

If you would like to have your own episode of Definitely Not Therapy to tell your story and spread some awareness, please get in contact by either emailing us at [email protected] or DM Dan on either his Facebook page or his Instagram pages - @DanLawrenceComedy or @DefinitelyNotTherapyPod - Your story might save someone else's life, so please get in touch, you can remain anonymous if you would prefer.

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