Hi, I’m James Hurley, and welcome to HurleyTalks. For a long time, I kept my struggles to myself. I smiled when I didn’t feel like smiling, told people I was fine when I wasn’t, and tried to be that strong person everyone expected me to be. But inside, I was falling apart. Over the years, I’ve faced a lot of loss and pain — things that changed me, and at times, nearly broke me. For a long time, I stayed quiet about it, because that’s what I thought I had to do. Be strong. Get on with it. Don’t show weakness. But the truth is, silence nearly destroyed me. Not too long ago, I decided to open up and share a small part of my story on World Suicide Prevention Day. It wasn’t for attention or sympathy — it was because I finally felt it was time to speak honestly. The response was incredible. Messages, calls, and support came flooding in, and it really opened my eyes to how many people are struggling quietly, just like I was. What also stood out to me was that, even though the reaction was huge, only a few people close to me actually sat down and asked, “Are you okay?” or “Do you want to talk about it?” It reminded me that even when people care, these conversations are still hard. It’s uncomfortable for many, even when the door’s been opened. That’s why I started HurleyTalks — to keep that door open. This space isn’t about blame or bitterness. It’s not a place to point fingers or bash anyone. Everything I share will be from my own experience — my thoughts, my feelings, my truth. It’s about being real, because pretending everything’s fine helps no one. Talking and writing about what I’ve been through has already helped me heal more than I expected. It’s lifted a weight I carried for years. And if by speaking honestly, I can help even one person feel a little less alone, then it’s worth every word. I know not everyone will like what I’m doing. Some people will talk about it behind my back or make their comments — and that’s okay. Those are the people I don’t need in my life. This is about honesty, healing, and maybe helping someone else along the way. So that’s what HurleyTalks is. Real stories. Real feelings. No filters. Just a space to be open about life, the struggles, and the climb back up. If you’re struggling right now, please reach out — to a friend, a family member, a counsellor, anyone. You are not alone. This is me, and this is where my climb back up begins. #MentalHealth #Hurleytalks #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay - @hurley.talks