A Glasgow writer and actor is appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in a one-man show based on his battle with depression and terminal illness.
Duncan Campbell, who was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in February 2021, says the illness has encouraged him to make the most of the present and to overcome his longstanding mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
The 30-year-old who lives in Anniesland says he now wants to use his time to help people going through depression, and to help those people around them.
Diagnosed
He has written a book, The Suicide Notes, which he will be launching with his show at Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh from 14 to 25 August.
“This book gives an unfiltered insight into my mind going through depression, being diagnosed with terminal cancer, and finding happiness,” he says.
“I have a moral obligation to tell my story, as it can help people who are going through depression.
“And far too many people are going through that - suicide is the biggest killer of young men.
“The book is going to help people understand what their friend might be going through, which could help them save a life.
'Struggling'
“For people who care about somebody they think might be struggling, it’s hard to have that conversation.
“I hope my legacy can be to make it a bit easier for those conversations to start.
“I don’t know what I can do while I’m still alive to prevent people from experiencing terminal cancer, but I do hope the book and my show can help to prevent people from committing suicide.”
Duncan has been through around 20 MRIs, surgery on his brain, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
After surgery, he was in a wheelchair for more than two months. He learned to walk again using the AlterG machine - used by Andy Murray to return from injury.
Duncan, who played for GHK Rugby Club prior to his diagnosis, said: “The diagnosis has woken me up. It has encouraged me to make the most of every single second.
“Before my diagnosis, I was constantly criticising myself; when I tried to plan for the future, I was overcome with anxiety.
“Now, I live in the present, as I have no other choice. I’ve got a terminal disease so there’s a rational reason to feel down, but in a strange way it allows me to stop worrying.
The diagnosis has woken me up. It has encouraged me to make the most of every single second.
Duncan Campbell
“It shouldn’t have taken a diagnosis to free myself from the mental pain which stopped me from living my life.
“I suffered from depression from the age of 15. My brain was attacking itself. It knew all my weaknesses, shortcomings and fears. It was picking me apart every second of every day.
“Now I’ve found a route to happiness; being able to share my story and help others has given me a purpose which has helped to overcome depression.“
Helensburgh-born Duncan’s brother Danny is a SeeMe ambassador who was recently named as the new judge on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year.
Duncan said: “I am so lucky to have the chance to be able do two things I’ve always dreamed of; performing at the Fringe and publishing a book.
“I never thought these things would happen to me. I was set on suicide. Depression is a really draining way of existing.
“I didn’t have the energy to have a good time. I was isolated because I pushed people away. I made myself believe the lie that the best thing I could do was kill myself. I thought I would free my family and friends of the burden. Now I realise that couldn’t be further from the truth.
'Impulsive'
“One impulsive moment could have robbed me of all these bonus years. I would never have met my nephews who I love so much, I would never have seen such a good response to my poetry.
“I now realise what I didn’t know for years; I am worth knowing. I’m smart, and creative.
“I now have a lot of joy in life and I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow. I’m incredibly lucky to be alive and I’m grateful for every second I have.”
The book, which is available via www.thesuicidenotesbook.com and Amazon, is now on sale.
