In a poignant revelation, Chris Bird, former COO of Manchester City, shares his long-hidden battle with depression, linked to the tragic murder of his mother by Harold Shipman.
This comes as Bird chooses to break his silence on the 25th anniversary of the harrowing event, shedding light on his emotional struggles and the impact on his personal and professional life.
The Unspoken Pain
Chris Bird is a successful businessman, yet his past is marred by tragedy. His mother, Violet, was one of Harold Shipman’s 215 victims, a chilling fact that Bird grappled with silently for decades. During a mental health event, he bravely recounted the transformative impact her death had on his personality and marriage.
Reflecting on those painful days, Bird admitted to the audience, “This is probably the most vulnerable I’ve felt in my life.” His opening statement was met with silence, as the weight of his words hung in the room. For years, Bird wore ‘masks’, hiding behind work, but never truly addressing his inner turmoil.
The Struggle with Grief Chris Bird openly shared that his grief for his mother remains unprocessed. The haunting question, ‘But what can I do?’, lingers, accompanied by a deep sense of regret. He often wonders if his presence could have altered the course of that day.
The burden of unanswered grief led to years of secret anguish and questionable decisions in life. Despite his successful career, Bird’s inner world was fraught with unresolved sorrow.
He admits, “I’ve never yet grieved for my mum. I don’t know why, but I haven’t,” revealing the depths of his emotional suppression. Such revelations underline the complex relationship between personal tragedy and mental health.
Acknowledging Depression
In 2010, Bird reached a breaking point where continuing as before was not an option. He finally sought medical advice and was diagnosed with clinical depression. Initially, Bird struggled to accept the diagnosis, not recognising the symptoms he had lived with for so long.
“It was getting harder to get up in the morning,” he shared, a simple act turning into a daily challenge. His symptoms manifested as self-isolation and self-loathing, emotions he previously hadn’t associated with his condition.
The Courage to Speak Out
Realising the importance of confronting his mental health, Bird decided to speak at the mental health event after 25 years of silence. He stressed the necessity of prioritising mental health, even above business concerns. With a successful sports operation and a PR firm, Bird knew the importance of well-being.
“Good mental health, for me, is more important than health and safety or the finances in my business,” Bird declared, emphasising the foundational role mental health plays in his and others’ lives.
Impact and Support
By sharing his story, Bird has not only begun his path to healing but also aimed to help others facing similar challenges. His candidness struck a chord with many, as evidenced by the widespread social media engagement.
The hashtag #BCmentalhealth gained significant traction, highlighting the reach and impact of such personal accounts. Bird’s willingness to be vulnerable aims to inspire others to confront their struggles.
Continued Journey
Bird’s journey is still ongoing, with much progress yet to be made. He continues to fight daily, understanding that healing is a process that requires patience and perseverance.
His story serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength found in sharing our deepest struggles. Each day represents a choice to prioritise mental well-being.
Through his brave openness, Chris Bird not only honours his mother’s memory but also sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness.
His story serves as a reminder that addressing our mental health is crucial for healing and growth, both personal and communal.