Dad shares brutally honest tweet about the realities of depression
A father who took to Twitter to write a powerful post about depression has gone viral after social media users praised him for his brutal honesty and bravery.
Craig Stone, an author, shared a photo of the exact spot on Blackfriars Bridge where he contemplated suicide eight years ago.
But this time there was a key difference: the photo featured his young son.
With the message “love is always coming”, Mr Stone said his son was testament to the fact that recovery from mental illness is possible.
See that bench. 8yrs ago I sat on it thinking about throwing myself off Blackfriars Bridge. Today, I took this pic of my son. Tomorrow might be the same. But it might also be brighter. It might even bring unimaginable brilliance. Hang in there. Love is always coming. #depression pic.twitter.com/91mYk9hvEo
— Craig Stone (@craigstone_) November 19, 2017
The tweet was retweeted over 7,000 times and liked over 23,000 times.
Hundreds of Twitter users replied to the tweet to share their own experiences and thank Mr Stone for “giving hope” to those who were struggling.
I have been going through a severe depression myself. Your tweet helps me see out today's day and probably tomorrow and then the day after. Thank you for sharing this and unknowingly inspiring me to fight another day. strength to you!
— Alok Badri (@alok_TTID) November 21, 2017
Thank you for sharing your personal story in one profoundly inspirational tweet, Craig. You probably don't even realise just how many people you have given hope to. Thank you. #MentalHealthMatters
— Erika Dallimore (@erikadallimore) November 20, 2017
Mr Stone said the response to the tweet had been overwhelming.
Reading through the comments here is a joy. And to think, they said Twitter was full of trolls. All I'm seeing is lovely people being supportive and happy for happiness. Thank you for all the lovely responses! Big hugs everyone. x
— Craig Stone (@craigstone_) November 20, 2017
He has previously told of how he once became homeless and lived in a park, during which time he wrote his first book – The Squirrel Who Dreamt Of Madness.
No. But I was entirely off-grid. At one point I was living in a park, and I walked to the local council office. I stood outside. I thought "just go in", but then also thought "What's the point? Nobody will help you. This is probably the wrong place" etc, so returned to the park.
— Craig Stone (@craigstone_) November 20, 2017
In a blog, he uploaded photographs of his time spent living in the park as proof of his experience.
Mr Stone is now married and has a son.