A new scheme to destigmatise conversations around mental health is holding its inaugural event in Sheffield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crying on the Sofa, founded by Ryan Murphy, was inspired by his own experiences with severe depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cI couldn’t see a way out; I remember sitting on the sofa in my front room, cuddling my baby son, crying, sobbing, thinking: ‘I hope these tears dry before my wife walks in the room’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt a similar time, I remember forcing myself to go out for a walk to get some fresh air and food from the local shop; I remember passing a family and purposefully putting my head down, hoping they wouldn’t try to make eye contact because they might see the pain behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese were real low points for me, and I always knew I wanted to help anyone and bring awareness, which eventually led to founding Crying On The Sofa.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first event, held at software company Pendo\u2019s Sheffield offices on September 24, will feature talks from industry professionals and Mr Murphy himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Mr Murphy and the speakers are from a tech background, he encourages anyone who is interested to give it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cI am very familiar with the everyday battles and struggles [of the tech industry], and I didn’t want to make assumptions about other industries or lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone is welcome at the events, not just tech workers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n