Sunderland teenager makes film about personal battle with depression

Corin Nelson, 17, is concerned that others like him are often seen as attention seekers and are afraid to ask for help.

He has teamed up with Fixers, the national charity that gives young people a voice, to make a short film to get his message across.

Diagnosed with depression three years ago, Corin said: “I began feeling low at quite an early age.

“It just came out of the blue really, there was no real reason for it.

“As I got older it began to get worse, but people just told me it was normal behaviour and part of growing up.

“I was told it was just a phase, so it wasn’t until later that I finally decided to ask for help.

“There is a stigma around young people’s mental health and it isn’t taken as seriously as it should be. This is something I hope to change.”

Working with Fixers, Corin has produced a short film entitled Depression and Reality which re-enacts the moments when his depression was dismissed by his peers as nothing more than a phase.

“It was hard dealing with my issues and I would keep them to myself,” added Corin.

“I was often told it was normal and I wasn’t really taken seriously.

“Thankfully, with the right support, I’m doing well now. I want others to see my story and know they can recover too.

“I hope this campaign can highlight the problem so more people can get help.”

Corin, who works as a drum tutor and graphic designer, plans to share the film in local schools and colleges in Sunderland.

He adds: “I feel like I’m slowly getting back on track, but I want people to understand that mental health is real.

“My hope is that this campaign can change people’s perceptions about the issue so that those who are struggling don’t feel as though they have to keep their problems a secret.”

Fixers works with young people aged 16-25 across the UK by providing them with resources to help them campaign on issues they feel strongly about.

The charity has helped more than 18,000 youngsters across the UK to have a voice in their community on issues such as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide or transphobia.

For more information or to make a donation to fund more Fixer projects, go to www.fixers.org.uk