A young man who has battled depression since the death of his mother has launched a campaign to help provoke a discussion around mental health.

Tom Mackelden from Staplehurst lost mum Tania after a brave battle with cancer in February 2017 aged 48 and has since raised thousands of pounds for charity through various fundraising events in her memory.

However, over the last 12 months he admits he has felt increasingly down and alone, and even came close to taking his own life.

"I was definitely suicidal, I was just craving my mum so much," he said.

"All I wanted to do was be with her by taking my own life as I believed the idea that going up to heaven was real and that was the only way I could do that.

"The only thing that stopped me doing it was the thought of her looking down at me and calling me an idiot because I've got my whole life ahead of me.

"Before that I always thought mental health was a bit of a myth but then when you're actually going through it yourself you have a completely different perspective and you become a bit narrow-minded."

The 21-year-old said his outlook changed following the death of former Love Island star and Kent footballer Mike Thalassitis, whose body was found in woodland near his Essex home.

The tragedy has since prompted much discussion about the mental health of men in particular, and the level of support available to those struggling with depression.

In response, Tom posted a video of himself revealing his own inner turmoil and the importance of speaking to people - be that friends and family or even complete strangers - about mental health.

"The passing of Mike hit me because I thought there must be so many people who might be on the verge of doing something they regret," he said.

"The video's been seen by about 2,000 people and I've had probably around a hundred messages about it, too."

Off the back of that, he is now encouraging social media users to reach out to friends as part of an innovative campaign, set up using the Instagram handle @KeepYourHeadHealthy.

Instagrammers upload a blank story and post: "If I feel down, sad or alone, I feel I could talk to..." before tagging in friends with whom they'd feel comfortable discussing such issues.

Dozens of people followed Tom's example within the first few hours of the campaign's launch.

He added: "I only started it this week but there's already been a great response - hopefully it'll create a real network of people."

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact the Samaritans helpline on 116 123, 24 hours a day.

Kent County Council's Release the Pressure campaign can also offer support - call 0800 1070160 or visit releasethepressure.uk for more information.

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