Caledonian Braves owner Chris Ewing says people like former Celtic boss Neil Lennon speaking about mental health issues can only help others do the same.
Ewing has suffered with bouts of depression and turned to alcohol after a career as a footballer failed to blossom.
He has now joined FC United to help in their cause to use mental health as a vehicle to promote positive awareness around the topic.
United to Prevent Suicide is a unifying identity for Scotland’s social movement for change with a range or aims, including improving knowledge and skills in suicide prevention with the development of new learning resources.
The Braves chairman - who has dealt with loss due to suicide - said in his announcement of joining FC United: "Anyone who has had experience of suicide in their lives will have had that ‘did I miss something?’ moment.
"You never really know what is going on in someone else’s head. All you can do is be there for them and encourage them to talk. It’s so important to destigmatise the subject. That’s why I was keen to be part of FC United.
"I know from personal experience that sharing is the most important step you can take in starting to climb out of that dark hole. If you’re reading this and are in that place, please let people know that you need a bit of help."
People like former Celtic and Hibs boss Lennon have spoken out in their battles with depression, and now Ewing has revealed his.
Braves currently play in the Lowland League and Ewing has battled personal problems to get the Lanarkshire side to Scotland's fifth tier.
After his own playing career fell through, things went from bad to worse for the Braves owner. It was a tough time and awareness from people like Lennon and Hull City hero Dean Windass could help people talk about it.
Ewing explained: "When I was released, I turned to alcohol and other escapisms. It will be different for everyone, but I was sober for two years when my mental health took a turn for the worse and I fell into heavy depression.
"I can’t pinpoint exactly what brought it on. At the time I had everything on paper — the academy, a wife and girls I adore.
"While I never tried to take my own life, I can understand why people end up in that frame of mind. People think it’s a solution, but it’s not. You don’t stop the pain. You just pass it on.
"I’m now nine years sober and — this will sound cheesy — but I’m a great believer in people and a sense of community.
"In our corner of the world, people like Neil Lennon and Dean Windass speaking out has done a power of good.
"What was a taboo subject now feels like something else and we have to continue the fight to normalise the conversation around suicide. I’m proud to be part of FC United and endorse their simple message. Talk."
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
