When his father later died by suicide, Stephen understandably struggled to accept the loss, having not spoken to him for years.
As a dad now, Stephen’s determined not to “perpetuate the cycle” with his own son and instead offer the security and emotional guidance he missed out on.
When his son threatens to have a tantrum, for example, they practise “shaking it out” together – processing the emotions safely.
Both Ryan and Stephen say they have become better, healthier men because they faced their pain, changed how they communicate, and learned to regulate themselves for their kids.
“I’m better… sitting with things and dealing with things,” says Stephen.
“I wrote that in a letter to Leo last week,” Ryan says. “I said, at times I feel like my role is to instruct and tell you what to do, but actually, it’s a two-way conversation. I’m learning just as much as you are in this journey.”
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by mental health issues, please visit BBC Action Line to find information on organisations that can help
