Dad's tweet about depression sparks honest conversation

With a single, powerful tweet, a UK father has opened up an important conversation about depression.

Last week, Craig Stone shared a photo of a bench near Blackfriars Bridge in London, his young son standing nearby.

To the average passer-by, it mightn’t seem like a significant landmark. But just eight years ago, Stone had been sitting on that same bench, contemplating suicide.

Stone’s message of hope has clearly resonated, receiving thousands of retweets and dozens of responses thanking him for his honesty.

His deeply personal words have also inspired others who are living with, or have overcome, mental illness to open up about their experiences - many of them parents.

“I’ve been suicidal on more occasions than I wish to remember and at 21 with 2 attempts behind me, my son has truly saved my life,” one mother replied.

“He’s 16 months now and he makes me smile every day - no matter my mood previously. He will never know what he’s done for me.”

Listen: What you need to know about Perinatal Depression and Anxiety. (Post continues.)

For anyone living with mental illness, even talking about it can seem like an impossible step.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.