From Darkness to Light: Breaking the Silence on Addiction, grief, and mental health challenges.

Finding Hope and Purpose in the Midst of Crisis

Craig Paton’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and transformation. It’s a deeply personal account of a man who hit rock bottom but clawed his way back to build a life filled with meaning and hope. His experience reflects the silent struggles faced by many men, who often grapple with societal expectations while suppressing their pain. It’s not just one man’s story; it’s an unflinching look at a crisis many men face but rarely talk about. Craig's story is set to be published in a book later this year, and we’ve had the privilege of reading it in advance. We're excited to share our thoughts with you.

Addiction, grief, and mental health challenges shaped much of Craig's adult life, yet his reflections are painfully relevant to broader issues affecting men today, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Globally, men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women, with stigma and pressures around masculinity often silencing their cries for help. Craig’s journey shines a light on these hidden battles, offering inspiration and a rallying cry for men everywhere to seek help and redefine strength on their own terms.

The Weight of Expectations and the Spiral into Addiction

Craig paints a vivid picture of his childhood and youth in Glasgow, where alcohol and drugs were woven into the fabric of daily life. Like many young men, he faced pressure to fit in and "prove" his adulthood through drinking and partying. What began as teenage experimentation evolved into a full-blown dependence on alcohol and cocaine.

For Craig, life seemed manageable at first. He believed he was in control, a labourer by day and a self-proclaimed partygoer by night. But life threw devastating challenges his way, starting with the loss of his grandfather, followed by the untimely deaths of friends and colleagues. Grief piled on grief, and Craig began to crumble under the weight. Yet, he felt unable to ask for help.

After all, men are often taught to “man up” and solve their problems alone.

The turning point came when the coping mechanisms Craig relied on, including alcohol and cocaine, led to more harm than relief. His marriage crumbled, his relationships suffered, and self-sabotage became his reality. Craig describes hitting rock bottom when his addiction led to job loss, alienation from his children, and a heart-wrenching realisation that he had become a stranger to himself.

The Breaking Point and Road to Recovery

The darkest moment of Craig’s life came with suicidal thoughts, fueled by feelings of shame and isolation. Men often fear being perceived as weak or inadequate, so instead of asking for help, many retreat further into their struggles. Craig was no exception. He genuinely believed his family would be better off without him. These haunting thoughts nearly drove him to take his own life.

But even in despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. Craig remembers hearing his son’s voice in his mind, saying, “I’ll miss you, Dad.” That simple yet profound seed of love planted itself, convincing him he had something worth fighting for. He sought help, visited his doctor, and embarked on a challenging but life-saving path to recovery.

Craig’s recovery wasn’t linear. Initially, he recoiled at the stigma of traditional support systems like Alcoholics Anonymous. He felt too ashamed to admit he needed group therapy. Instead, he built his own roadmap to healing, turning to mindfulness, meditation, and inspiring books that gave him tools to reframe his thoughts.

He also cut ties with toxic individuals and carried photos of his children as a daily reminder of why he wanted to stay sober. Those pictures reminded him of what he stood to lose when temptation struck. Slowly but surely, he began piecing his life back together.

The Broader Crisis of Men’s Mental Health

Craig’s story doesn’t exist in isolation. It mirrors the experiences of countless men around the world who suffer in silence because they feel pressure to conform to outdated notions of masculinity. Men are often told they must "be strong," hide their emotions, and deal with problems independently. This cultural narrative can be devastating, creating an environment where struggles fester in the dark.

Research shows that depression often manifests differently in men, who may not recognise their own symptoms or feel comfortable talking about them. Instead of seeking emotional support, many turn to substances like alcohol or drugs, hoping to dull the pain. For some, the silence becomes unbearable, leading to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Craig underscores a powerful truth in his story: acknowledging pain and asking for help are acts of strength, not weakness. Sharing his vulnerable moments and triumphs, he hopes to challenge societal norms and encourage others to speak out, seek support, and redefine what it means to be strong.

Recovery Is Possible, No Matter How Far You’ve Fallen

For Craig, recovery didn’t just mean giving up alcohol and cocaine; it required a complete transformation of how he lived, thought, and related to the world. It involved forgiving himself, making amends with his loved ones, and using his experiences to help others.

Today, Craig is a voice for those who haven't made it. Through public speaking, podcasting, and candid conversations, he’s helping dismantle the stigma around addiction and mental health. His message is clear: no one is beyond saving, and every life is worth fighting for.

Craig’s ability to turn his pain into purpose highlights the importance of visible role models in the recovery community. By sharing his story, he’s showing others that it’s never too late to change, even from the lowest point.

A Call to Action for Hope and Healing

If Craig’s story resonates with you or someone you care about, know this: recovery is possible, and support is available. Pain can coexist with hope, and it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to face tough times alone, and there are resources to guide you through.

Start by visiting Tough to Talk’s support pages, where you’ll find tools, community resources, and guidance for navigating mental health and addiction challenges. Help is out there, whether through primary care providers, professional counselling, or peer-led groups. Don’t wait until the breaking point to reach out. You are worthy of support, and your life matters.

Craig’s story proves that a brighter future is possible even in the darkest moments. Recovery is not the end of your story; it’s just the beginning. Take the first step today.

Meet Craig.

Craig Paton

Craig Paton is a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager and a Graduate member of IOSH. Craig has worked for companies including Balfour Beatty and BAM Nuttall. Starting his career on site as a labourer, Craig was close to a fatal accident on site. This made him re-evaluate his career to try and prevent such things happening. Craig worked his way to H&S Advisor and gained a reputation as one of the up-and-coming top safety professionals. After many years as a H&S Manager he realised that mental health and the growing suicide rate in Construction was where his next challenge was. Craig obtained his qualifications for training mental health first aid and awareness. He also conducts suicide awareness and prevention classes. Craig was named in the top 10 HSE influencers in Europe by his peers and also runs a successful podcast to talk about construction and mental health.