Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt has discussed being ‘humbled’ listening to real-life stories of men speaking out about suicidal feelings and attempts to take their own lives, adding that Paddy Kirk’s storyline has been ‘triumphant’ in raising the conversation.
Members of Andy’s Man Club, an volunteer organisation which welcomes men to attend and talk when struggling for all kinds of reasons, recorded a video discussing the importance of Emmerdale and other soaps raising the issue in episodes, while sharing their own feelings and stories.
One man, Liam, explained how he should have been in the best place possible after being married and having a new job and home, but found his life going grey, with everything ‘crashing down’.
Another, Dan, took the group – and viewers of the emotive film above – through his history which included significant losses and bullying, and ultimately led to a suicide attempt.
He added that professional help, and support from Andy’s Man Club, had helped keep him alive when he ‘just didn’t want to be here anymore’.
Explaining the role of the charity, Liam said: ‘It’s for anyone who is going through that storm; it doesn’t have to be something massive.
‘It could be a series of small things that’s really got you down. We find that a lot, guys coming into the groups – being able to help and seeing the difference from Week 1 and Week 4 is a lift.’
It’s okay to talk is the overriding message, and something that I can personally relate to, having made an attempt on my own life in the past.
Meetings of Andy’s Man Club provide a safe space for men struggling with their mental health (Picture: ITV)
I found real solace and support in speaking with others and, while initially difficult as Paddy found it, it was a certain lifeline for me.
In an edition of Emmerdale, Paddy attended a group session with Andy’s Man Club.
Filming for these scenes took place at Bradford City Football Club Ground in the room where regular Andy’s Man Club meetings are held every Monday.
Within this episode, four men with lived experience of being members of Andy’s Man Club were featured, playing the roles of fictional attendees of the group.
The poignant video that has since been released was watched by Dominic and colleague Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle), and it was clear they were moved.
Having spoken to many men who have experienced Paddy’s situation, Dominic explained his feelings in being trusted with the story and connecting with real life people.
‘I found it humbling, I was very proud to be given such an incredibly important storyline,’ the actor shared.
‘It felt a little but like Impostor Syndrome, like I’m a bit of a fraud. I’ve met many people who have gone through the same thing. It made me feel there is hope, and there’s an answer to this – you need to start talking, tell someone.
‘The caveat it is that men don’t do that.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: [email protected] between the hours of 9am and midnight.
In a conversation with colleague and close friend Mark, he continued: ‘People have gone through this, when they felt there was nowhere to go, that was the end of it.
‘To feel that uncomfortable in your skin and your mind that you may want to end your life, it’s some place to be.
‘Speaking to people who have been through this has at times felt bleak, but it’s also doubly felt triumphant and full of hope – an incredible experience.
Asked by Mark whether it’s important for soaps like Emmerdale to tackle stories such as Paddy’s depression, Dominic didn’t hesitate in answering.
‘I think we would be mad to squander the opportunity to highlight important social issues,’ he insisted.
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Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt are humbled to play out Paddy and Marlon’s story (Picture: ITV)
‘Soaps have a large audience of male and females, young and old, to give a moral compass.
‘It’s quite a repellent story on the page, but the way writers and researchers packaged it in a way that was palatable and clear , when it’s a subject that many people want to turn away, was genius, just fantastic. What a great platform to use.
‘There’s no sailing off into the sunset, there’s no miracle cure for depression so thankfully, six months on, you’re still going into therapy, and seeing glimmers of it.
‘I had a scene the other day with Lisa Riley and Paddy just pauses and says, “I wish I didn’t keep feeling like this.” It shows that it isn’t a relapse, but it’s like that – and steadily it will get better.’
It’s not just the person in the dark place who is impacted by what they are going through, and Mark has explored the angle of a friend trying to do their best after a friend attempts to take their own life.
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‘Marlon was really overwhelming to begin with when Paddy first came back – he tried to swaddle him and it’s too much,’ he mused.
‘And it’s quite common, panic born out of panic. It was quite smart writing, it felt very true. The way it’s been written, researched and structured – Marlon’s journey, he’s just been totally at sea, really.
‘It shows you just how much a person needs professional attention. He’s improvised his way through it and at times it’s been great, but often it’s been misjudged and clumsy. But we’ve seen that talking to friends and family is one way to help.’
For more information or to find out where Andy’s Man Club groups are please email: [email protected] or head to their website.
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