OUT IN THE FIELD: Annemarie Field’s look at life in Eastbourne, a new box office at Royal Hippodrome and more on mental health

Eastbourne politician Tony Freebody’s honest and frank words in my column last week about his struggle with mental health prompted a flood of comments from people who were glad he raised what is still seen as a taboo subject – even though we constantly told it’s okay to be not okay and it’s good to talk. Most people said it was heartening to hear him talk so openly and it is of course nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of people thought it was me talking so candidly about my own mental health as opposed to Tony. So apologies if I didn’t make it clear I was handing over some column inches to him. Most people know that I have too struggled with mental health and even now frequently “wrestle with the black dog”. It started when I lost my mother when I was three months pregnant with my son; then came severe post natal depression following the arrival of my daughter and, when my father died as I turned 40, there were episodes which were so bad I almost drove into the path of an oncoming lorry one day. There were times my husband was glad all the knives were in the dishwasher, so acute was the black cloud hanging over my head. These days I am lucky enough to have some wonderful family and friends who help me no end and, more importantly, understand when I’m a bit down. Talking is a wonderful therapy – as is swimming most days and trying to clock up 10,000 steps a day. Like I say, it started 20 years ago. I’d love to report that it has ended but it hasn’t and probably never will. But I know I am not alone. And talking about it always helps.