Bristol man becomes life coach following dad's mental health struggles

Ross Matthews (left) was inspired to become a life and behavioural coach after seeing how depression impacted his father

The son of a man who struggled with his mental health has become a life and behavioural coach.

Ross Matthews, 30, from Bedminster, Bristol, saw the difficulties his late father faced, which he said affected their relationship.

Mr Matthews' father grew up in a verbally and physically abusive household, which he believes led to his struggles later in life.

Mr Matthews said: "I don't want anybody to feel the same way my dad did."

Throughout his life, Mr Matthews longed for a deeper connection with his father.

As a teenager, he wanted to learn "typical" dad things, including DIY.

But there was "a lot of pressure" on his dad, who worked nights and helped to raise two children.

Mr Matthews pictured with his mother (left), sister (right) and father (front)

It wasn't until Mr Matthews grew up that he learned about his dad's difficult upbringing and mental health struggles.

"Dad was a very quiet man. He kept himself to himself, he was a classic sort of he didn't want to talk about his problems.

"He was always a nice guy and wouldn't say anything wrong to anyone, it was just the fact that he wasn't able to express that", Mr Matthews said.

When Mr Matthews was 16, his dad was sectioned.

"Things would happen and it was scary, but it's almost like it became normal," Mr Matthews said.

"It was really difficult to see. I was frustrated, I was angry.

"I wrote letters to him to demonstrate my love for him… I naturally wanted to fix everything.

"I wanted to help him, support him, rescue him. At the time I didn't realise that wasn't what he was able to receive," he added.

When his dad came out of the hospital, he took up running which gave him a form of escapism for many years, until he passed away from cancer in 2018.

Mr Matthews said: "My inner child was lost and confused and wanted to seek connection, love and clarity.

"That's my foundation of why I do what I do."

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