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“You think you can get through everything. You tell yourself you will handle things, that it’s a blip, you’ll get over it.”

This is what Councillor Jamie Pritchard told Caerphilly Observer as he opened up about his past mental health difficulties.

“I made the mistake of trying to bottle things up. I thought I should be able to deal with some personal challenges I was facing in my life without making a fuss. Despite the warning signs I ploughed on regardless, because that’s what you do, isn’t it?”

By speaking out, Cllr Pritchard is hoping to encourage others to seek help when pressures build up.

It all started in January 2019, when family issues meant he had to travel extensively back and forth to Carmarthenshire. Unable to drive at the time, Cllr Pritchard had to rely on public transport.

Juggling family issues, travel, his day job and council work, Cllr Pritchard said he ignored advice from family and friends to take a rest.

His struggle continued throughout 2019. In October and November that year, he ended up taking time off work with stress on two occasions after visiting his GP.

“There were frankly too many things going on in my life that I couldn’t deal with all at once. Leaving it until you’re just at breaking point isn’t the answer. I should have sought support earlier,” Cllr Pritchard said.

He reached his “lowest ebb” in November 2019, when he was arrested, charged and fined for a drink-related offence.

“For a short period of time I found it incredibly difficult to keep everything together. I chose not to seek help. I thoroughly regret not being able to cope properly during this difficult period.

“No matter how difficult things are, having a drink, however small in quantity, isn’t the answer. It’s a bitter regret of mine.”

Cllr Pritchard is encouraging others to speak to family and friends or seek help if they are struggling.

“I suppose it’s the stereotypical answer to a problem for somebody of my age and gender; to deal with things by thinking everything will sort itself out naturally.”

However, the father-of-one said he was “in a completely different place now”.

He said: “I’m feeling good and now I want to try and help others – that’s why I’m speaking up. At the time, it was downright awful.”

After his struggles, confiding in family and friends was the first step towards recovery.

In March 2020, Cllr Pritchard passed his driving test after failing on three previous attempts – something he admits added to his troubles.

“Don’t think you can always beat everything yourself. Nobody is immune from making mistakes in their personal life, no matter who they are or what they do.

“I think it’s important for me as a local councillor to speak about my experiences to try to help other people where I can.

“Out of a difficult situation there might be some good that can be achieved for somebody else.”

For more information about mental health services available in Wales, visit wales.nhs.uk/healthtopics/conditions/mentalhealth

Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123. For more information about Samaritans, visit samaritans.org