Stress and depression: There is a hope for you, but it takes time

For anyone in a dark place through work-related stress right now I'm sharing this picture.

12 months ago, none of this was here. I was in a bad place. Not awful, but I was at risk of returning to where I'd been the previous year. I had to do something to break the cycle.

This is my workplace today. It's called The Sett and it's in my garden. It was built by some lovely friends.

The drawings on the pin board are from my kids and are right next to me every time I sit at the desk. Recently I've brought a small plant into the office.

The chair is a gift from a friend, the blanket on its back from a friend/client. An evolving gang of badgers from friends and family is in the background. The CDs and record deck form my work soundtrack.

Individually they're nice to have, but they're indications of something much more important. Progress.

You can't see my amazing wife, who remains supportive throughout the highs and lows. You can't see Didier, the rescue hound we've now got to help keep the black dog of depression away.

You can't see the regular feeling of panic, uncertainty and self-doubt that comes with going solo, but you can see beginnings of contentment.

You're more in control than you might feel right now. Just keep trying.