In this episode of Definitely Not Therapy, I sit down with Ian — a man who’s been to the darkest places life can take you and somehow found a way back, not just for himself, but for others too.

Ian’s mental health began to unravel after several failed relationships and the crushing pressures of fatherhood. Feeling like he wasn’t good enough, his struggles led him into addiction and self-harm. For a long time, the belief that he’d never measure up was his constant companion.

But Ian’s story doesn’t end there. Through brutal honesty and a determination to change, he’s rebuilt his life — and now spends his days helping others who’ve stood where he once stood. As a driving instructor for people on the spectrum, he’s learned the power of patience, empathy, and showing up for those who need it most. He’s even taken his story to the stage, speaking openly about men’s mental health in the hope of inspiring others to speak up before it’s too late.

We talk about:

• The hidden weight of failed relationships and single fatherhood
• How addiction and self-harm became a coping mechanism
• What finally made him turn his life around
• Why helping others became his lifeline
• The importance of speaking openly — even when it’s uncomfortable

This one’s raw, honest, and proof that you can take back the wheel of your life, no matter how far off track you’ve gone.

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