‘Sharing stories breaks the stigma that stopped people like me from speaking out’

Adam Shaw, took part in the Attivo Life Magazine feature on Changemakers. He sold his business in 2014, in order to set up the charity, Shawmind in 2016. Since then, the charity has invested £10m in getting mental health support to people who need it and Adam has recently started a publishing company to promote bibliotherapy for people who are struggling with their mental health. He splits his time between Florida and the UK.

Adam says: ‘I’ve lived with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) all my life. Even as young as five, I had rituals that I had to complete and if I didn’t, I believed something bad would happen to my family. As I got older, my OCD became more and more debilitating. To the outside world, I had everything – a wife, kids and a successful legal services business employing 1,000 people but inside, I was tormented.

‘To the outside world, I had everything… but inside, I was tormented.’

‘In my mid-30s, my OCD became too much, and I had a breakdown – but it was then, in my darkest moment, that I picked up a book. It wasn’t by a doctor or a therapist – it was by a normal person who had also battled severe OCD and won. This was my lightbulb moment.

‘For 30 years I’d refused to open up about the dark, disturbing thoughts invading my mind, but the book was like being thrown a life raft. Very gradually, with the proper support and therapy, I was able to start my recovery.

‘In 2014, I decided to sell my company and use the proceeds to set up my charity Shawmind. Since then, we’ve invested £10m in getting mental health support to people who need it through initiatives like ManCave – a monthly get-together for men who are struggling. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 and that’s something I want to help change.

‘Sharing stories breaks the stigma that stopped people like me from speaking out’

‘We’ve also fought and won the battle to make mental health education mandatory in schools and my focus is now on publishing books to help people in their recovery. Books can be hugely powerful and sharing stories breaks the stigma that stopped people like me from speaking out.’

Changemaker takeaway

‘Now more than ever, we need to practise self-compassion and embrace difficult feelings – only then can you work through them.’

*Shawmind have a series of free-to-download info guides on various aspects of mental health. See Shawmind.org.

*For acute mental health crises, visit Mind.org.uk for initial guidance and support.

If you enjoyed reading Adam’s story, take a look at our interview with Jenny Agutter OBE and Lynne Franks and see how they are making a difference, too.

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