{
  "id": 7493269,
  "title": "'Never give in' – Nick Evans shares his powerful fight against suicidal thoughts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/never-give-in-nick-evans-shares-his-powerful-fight-against-suicidal",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-15T06:43:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-09-15-never-give-in-nick-evans-shares-his-powerful-fight-against-suicidal-thoughts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nick Evans, a Durban snake rescuer, has shared his personal struggle with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and PTSD in Suicide Prevention Month. The 10-year battle has landed him in the hospital twice and required multiple treatments and medications. Despite effective therapy, his suicidal thoughts still come and go, causing feelings of hopelessness, overthinking and anhedonia. Evans emphasizes that his public disclosure is not for attention or pity, but to help others who may recognize their own struggles. He credits his family, especially his wife and mother, for their unwavering support. Nature remains a significant source of comfort for Evans, and he plans to live and work in the bush one day. He finds purpose in rescuing reptiles, though the work can be challenging during his most difficult times. Evans hopes his story will resonate with those silently battling similar thoughts and provide hope and guidance.",
  "summary": "Durban snake rescuer Nick Evans has spoken candidly about his more than decade-long struggle with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, revealing how treatment, family, music, nature and his work with reptiles have helped him navigate some of his darkest moments.",
  "key_points": [
    "Nick Evans shares his 10-year battle with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.",
    "He has been hospitalized twice and required multiple treatments and medications.",
    "Evans credits family support and nature for comfort, finding purpose in rescuing reptiles."
  ],
  "editors_take": "By speaking out about his struggles, Nick Evans aims to help others find hope and guidance, showing that sharing personal battles can be a powerful step towards healing and connection.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}