A Powys man says his life was transformed after finding help for depression and anxiety through a free NHS Wales online service.

Maths tutor Iain Messenger, 58, had struggled with anxiety for decades, but the twin pressures of retirement and a marital breakdown left him at breaking point.

“I was struggling with my close relationships, and basic decision-making always turned into a drama,” Iain explained.

“I felt useless, wandering about not able to focus on anything. I couldn’t even read a book or watch the TV.

“I had some pretty dark thoughts – that I was a disaster, and no use to my family. I was in a real mess.”

Iain decided in 2024 to leave classroom teaching and focus on private tutoring. But the changes, alongside his personal struggles, triggered panic attacks and low self-esteem

Seeking help through NHS 111 press 2, Iain was signposted to SilverCloud Wales, an online platform offering guided self-help programmes for mental health and wellbeing.

“The sense of hopelessness dissipated almost immediately,” he said. “I realised I wasn’t the only one - other people were dealing with the exact same problems and feelings. I no longer felt alone.”

SilverCloud, managed by NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service at Powys Teaching Health Board, offers cognitive behavioural therapy-based programmes for depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties. It is free to anyone in Wales aged 16 or over, without needing a GP referral. Courses are also available for students, young people, and parents supporting children with anxiety, with the most popular programmes available in Welsh.

Iain said he continues to use the lessons from SilverCloud daily.

““I’m grateful - on a daily basis - for the things I learned,” he said. “It’s been life-changing.”

Anyone struggling with their mental health can access SilverCloud Wales at: nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup