Renowned artist Professor Green opens up about his personal struggles with mental health, advocating for men to seek assistance when needed. The successful rapper, also known as Stephen Manderson, tragically lost his father to suicide 18 years ago and was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the age of 40. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Forty years of being me nearly killed me. And I don’t think it’s dissimilar to what a lot of people go through when we hit middle age.”

Stephen recently led a study conducted by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, revealing that 65% of men have encountered mental health challenges in the past three years. Surprisingly, 70% of the surveyed men stated that they would only consider therapy when they reach a breaking point.

Recalling his own struggles, Stephen mentioned that while he never attempted suicide, his reckless behavior with substances placed him in perilous situations. After hitting rock bottom two years ago, he sought help and underwent assessments that led to his ADHD and autism diagnoses. He emphasized the importance of seeking assistance before reaching a crisis point, a sentiment echoed by many men who often delay seeking help until it is absolutely necessary.

Now in a healthier place, Stephen collaborated with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on England’s inaugural men’s health strategy, focusing on issues like suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and gambling addiction. As a spokesperson for BACP, he aims to enhance awareness and education surrounding male mental health, drawing from his own experiences as a father and a therapy participant to address unresolved emotions stemming from his father’s suicide.

Despite past challenges, including his marriages to Millie Mackintosh and Karima McAdams, as well as a health scare requiring surgery, Stephen remains resilient. He recently released a new single and is gearing up for a tour with Example in May, emphasizing the importance of embracing aging as a privilege with no alternative.

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