In the interview, which is part of MIMHC’s ‘Keep the Mental Health Conversation Going’, Adams talks about how, following the breakdown of his marriage and him moving out of the family home, he began drinking more to “numb the pain”.
He said that, as a direct result of excessive drinking, his work suffered and he was increasingly leaning on colleagues to complete his workload.
Adams then took the step to talk to Pepper Money’s senior management team and decided to enter The Priory, which provides specialist mental health care, for four weeks, where he did group therapy and one-on-one counselling.
He said that cognitive therapy, which encourages participants to openly discuss the link between how they’re feeling and subsequent behaviours, and the importance of nutrition and exercise as being “transformative”.
Adams now proactively supports colleagues from Pepper Money and in the wider industry by sharing experiences and key personal takeaways.
He said that he hopes talking about his experiences will inspire others working in the mortgage sector to seek help “without hesitation” if it is necessary.
Jason Berry, interview host, MIMHC co-founder and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, said: “Paul’s story is nothing short of inspirational – he is now a stronger version of himself after emerging from some exceptionally dark times.
“What’s more, he is also actively seeking to pass on some of his key learnings to help others emerge from their own mental health setbacks and continue flourishing with their career.
“This ethos rests at the heart of MIMHC – and it’s essential that our industry continues providing compassion and support to our colleagues on those occasions when this is necessary.”
Habito’s vice president of customer compliance and culture shared her experience with post-natal depression in an interview earlier in the series.
