Dr Matt Guy has spoken about the importance of seeking help.

A veterinary student who has graduated this month, despite struggling with his mental health after his mother died, has spoken about the importance of reaching out for help and support.

Matt Guy’s mother unexpectedly passed away just two weeks after he had started his veterinary science course at the University of Bristol.

He had worked hard to get to university, spending a gap year working at zoos and veterinary practices before he received a ‘contextual offer’ from the university, an initiative designed to support people from backgrounds less likely to go to university.

After his mother, Alison Reeves-Guy, passed away, Matt’s mental health was badly affected. As well as losing his mother, the family home had to be sold, and he attended counselling and bereavement groups at the university.

However, despite this support, he still needed to take a year off from his studies during the coronavirus pandemic to deal with the impact of unearthed childhood trauma.

After the break, during which he found long-term support from the online therapy platform Betterhelp, Matt was able to complete his studies and graduate.

As he starts his career, he hopes to specialise in birds and exotic animals.

Matt said: “It took seven long, difficult years but I'm now Dr Guy and it's finally paying off.

“I want other people who are struggling with grief as well as depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue to know that there is hope in the long run.

“Mental health can be such a barrier, but there are resources you can use. University staff and its mental health services were amazing.

“It’s not about how long it takes. I’m really glad I took the extra time, because it means I’m here and I passed.

“I'd encourage anyone to reach out for help or support – there are always people who care about you and want you around. The possibilities are endless for the future.”

Matt’s senior tutor, Dr Rose Gregono-Thomas, added: “Matt has had a really difficult few years but he had the awareness and resilience to pull through – and that is something very much worth celebrating.

“Matt is a fantastic communicator and will be a brilliant vet. Everyone at the Vet School is very proud of him we wish him the best of luck.”

Image (C) University of Bristol