Here it is, part 2, its like the second Avengers film is finally coming out all over again. I know you have been desperate to read the next part of this captivating story rather than watch the latest episode of [insert relevant TV show here], so here we go!

I was now working as a labourer, a job I hated but it meant I didn’t have to deal with people as much as if I was a barman or waiter for example, in a small seaside town in Devon but unfortunately unless you are a builder, a fisherman or an alcoholic, this small town doesn’t offer much else.

Slowly I managed to get myself fit again, completing two half marathons and also making plans to travel abroad with two friends for 3 months, maybe to try find myself like many young adults do, and apparently I thought I would find myself in Asia or possibly Australia.

From the outside all seemed well. I had moved out of home and was being a ‘normal’ person, waking up early to go to a job I hate, going to the gym and eating healthily but enjoying a night out with my friends on the weekend. You know, the things that help you have a happy and fulfilling life.

I wasn’t happy, I was a failure with no prospects and nothing to offer the world. Now, I didn’t really have a reason to be unhappy, and knew it, which can make it 100 times worse as you yourself think it is ridiculous to feel like this but that is how it is with depression, you get into a pretty vicious circle or self hate. However, I had hope, soon I would be off around the world to ‘find myself’, to become a confident and self appreciating human being.

About 2 weeks in to our journey whilst playing football with some lovely local guys in Thailand I managed to tear the cartilage in my knee in-half and was unable to walk for a couple days and then had to hobble around for the rest of the time through Asia and Australia.

This turned out to be a rather large setback to my mental health, don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed my time travelling with two great friends even with my shitty knee, but sport has always helped fend off the ‘dark cloud’ and now after saying goodbye to my mates who headed home I ventured to Zimbabwe instead to see my Dad who had moved back there. I was to have surgery on my knee whilst enjoying spending some time with him, which I did, however, I was on crutches for 3 months after hopping around Asia/Australia for 3 months previous to the surgery and now I had a lot of time with myself, and to explore my own head.

Let’s just say, myself and my head/brain should not be left alone with each other for very long, we don’t seem to get on at all!

Part 3 to come soon, and as always, comments and questions are welcomed.