Greenock man who tried to take his own life marks a year drink and drug free

When Jason Moore returned from a three week holiday in Australia last March he ended up in the depths of despair, becoming depressed following a binge of partying and boozing.

The 22-year-old says he felt so low that he developed suicidal feelings and felt like he'd 'had enough'.

On the weekend of his return he tried to end his life at home in Greenock.

The civil servant says if it was not for the intervention of friends that evening, and the quick-thinking actions of Inverclyde Royal Hospital staff, he would not be here today.

Jason told the Tele: "I was visiting family in Australia and had the best time ever.

"It was three weeks of socialising, partying and having a great time.

"But when I got home I went straight out on the Friday and stayed out until the Saturday.

"I had the worst hangover ever and felt so down.

"That night I decided I'd had enough.

"I felt very suicidal and like I didn't want to be here anymore, so I tried to take my own life.

"I was speaking to a friend at the time and told them and they got in touch with my best pal.

"If it wasn't for them and my family getting me to the hospital I wouldn't be here now."

After waking up in the hospital, Jason - who is now heavily involved in local anti-suicide group Man On Inverclyde - vowed to stop drinking alcohol.

He went on to quit gambling and drugs, two other areas that had become a problem for him.

He'd originally planned to ditch drink until December, but then kept it going for a whole year.

Jason Moore

In doing so has raised over £5,000 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Jason, who lives at home with parents Angela and Brian, told the Tele: "After everything that happened I decided I wanted to do something.

"I'd previously completed things like 'Sober for October', so I knew I was able to go on nights out and socialise without needing alcohol.

"In a way I was quite fortunate, as I started this two weeks before the first lockdown so I didn't feel like I was missing out as we couldn't go out anyway.

"I didn't ever think about giving up gambling and drugs too, it just sort of happened naturally.

"When we were allowed to go out again I was going and taking the car - my friends have been really understanding and supportive and I've never felt pressured into doing anything I didn't want to.

"Not everyone knew what had happened back last year but it kind of circulated and I had people reaching out to me.

"I put the fundraiser online to keep me accountable and ensure I would do it, and within the first 40 minutes I'd more or less hit the target of £500.

"I can't believe the amount of money that's been raised since then."

Not long after Jason's 'life-changing experience', the founder of Man On Inverclyde, Chris Paul, got in touch to tell him about the new group that he was starting.

Jason got involved and he has been instrumental in the development of the suicide prevention group which has been helping local men - and now women - for the past year.

He said: "Chris has almost been a guardian angel.

"We knew each other through going on the bus to the football, but weren't friends like we are now.

"It was perfect timing for me - as even though those three weeks in Australia were the best of my life, I was in such a bad state when I got home.

"I've been taking tablets and have also been to counselling, but Man On has played such a big part in getting to where I am today."

Jason Moore. 365 days sober..

While Jason hopes others will speak out if they are also struggling, he acknowledged it isn't always an easy thing to do.

Jason, who also has an older sister Jennifer, added: "It's fine to tell someone to ask for help, but it's a really hard thing to do and people don't maybe understand that.

"It's good to talk, but difficult - not everyone wants to share their story.

"People are welcome to come to Man On just to listen and hear from other people, anything that will help and prove they aren't alone.

"I don't think anyone should feel embarrassed about talking about their mental health, we need to normalise these conversations.

"The support I've had has been brilliant and I'm really proud of the past year, it's been a proper 180 degree turn for me."

To donate to Jason's charity fundraiser, visit bit.ly/3dMjMg4

To contact Man On Inverclyde to receive support, visit manoninverclyde.co.uk.