‘Men must be open on mental health’ says Inverness personal trainer
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AN Inverness man’s experiences of mental illness will be the focus of a new film.
Alan Goodwin has suffered from ME since he was 18, and has also had bouts of depression.
But he has overcome his physical and mental health issues to become a personal trainer.
Mental Health Matters: the Man behind the Muscle – is expected to air in December.
It is the second film featuring Mr Goodwin from film-maker Craig Noble, and will include footage of him completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, where he celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this year.
The first film ME & Me was created two years ago.
Mr Goodwin will also give a talk with the same title as the film, and is particularly keen to get more men to open up about their mental health.
He said: “We plan to finish the film later this year.
“We also hope to show it in theatres around Highland to encourage men in particular to speak openly about mental health problems.”
Mr Goodwin will talk about the chronic fatigue he has experienced and childhood illness that has impacted his mental health.
He said: “There is the tiredness but also cognitive impact. It’s difficult when you know you’re an intelligent person but you’re robbed of that because of inflammation of the brain.
“And thinking clearly is very challenging.”
As well as chronic fatigue people with ME can suffer muscle or joint pain, difficulty thinking or with their concentration and have flu-like symptoms.
Mr Goodwin’s talk is aimed at people aged 16 and over and will be held at Inverness Tennis and Squash Club on April 25 from 8pm.
It will be followed by a question and answer session.
Entry is £5, with proceeds going to the club.
