For someone who almost never talks about his feelings, this is very difficult to say. I apologise wholeheartedly for doing it in this way.

For a large part of my life I have been living with clinical depression and anxiety disorder. I have been on medication and receiving treatment for two-and-a-half years, but have not spoken to any of my friends or family about it. It’s time I opened up.

It has always affected me, as far as I can remember. It affects me in all walks of life and in everyday situations, no matter how much I might outwardly appear to be fine. Behind closed doors, quite often, I’m a wreck.

My ‘secret’ book which is published next week is an autobiographical account of my lifelong battle with depression. I hope it will give some insight into what life has been like living with this dark cloud over me, especially one which has been so secretive and personal. I will be donating proceeds from the book to mental health charities. The book is titled We Need to Talk About Adam, a tongue-in-cheek attempt at self-deprecation.

Your first reaction after reading this might be that it’s bizarre to post it on my blog. It’s not, and for one simple reason: it’s perfectly normal and no big deal. Why should I need to sit down and tell people one-to-one? It doesn’t change me and it doesn’t change us. I’ve been living with it most of my life and doing so in silence, but now it needs talking about. We should not be afraid to be who we are. This is who I am. Besides, it’s far more personal than reading it in a book. Newspapers will be covering it next week, so I’d rather you find out directly from me.

This is a massive step for me, and one I have considered and battled with for a long time. Saying this has taken a huge amount of courage. I’m shitting bricks. I hope I don’t sound conceited in saying that your words of support, as friends, are much needed right now.

Adam x