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Interview: From breaking point to bright colours: Stuart Morrison's mental health journey

This May, in support of Mental Health Awareness Month, Plenty of Stuff Studio has pledged to partner with individuals, charities, and organisations in order to help end the stigma around mental health. We want to remind people that they are not alone, and that support is out there; accessible, real, and without judgement. One of the individuals we have had the privilege to speak to is Stuart Morrison, commonly known as ‘Stu'. Find out about his story below.

Stuart's story: The power of asking for help

Early 2024 was a difficult time for Stuart. He was struggling with his mental health, weighed down by the grief of losing both parents within twelve months in 2020 and 2021. He had to admit that time heals was not a strategy that was working for him.

Needing help sooner rather than much later, he sought support from the NHS but found the system overwhelmed. He said it plainly:

"When you are in distress, you need help, now, not in a few weeks or months."

Determined not to wait endlessly, Stuart turned to the internet and discovered Big Moose, a charity set up to support people with mental health struggles. They promised a response within 24 hours and that he would see a qualified therapist within seven days of his initial email.

The relief of finally admitting he needed help was intense. Getting help within a week, without cost or major hurdles, was a transformative experience. Stuart had four therapy sessions, which changed his life.

"I feel like I have not only come out of it, but the product that they gave me - my brain back - has allowed me to enjoy life again. It is like all of the colours are back up to where I know that they are bright and saturated and fun and I can see the good stuff."

He speaks openly about how hard it can be to take that first step when you are struggling.

"Be kind to yourself, go and get help and all the rest of it, when it takes 6 to 12 months to just get on a call with some mental health professional, that can seem like swimming the Atlantic."

Because when you are low, having to jump through hoops or wait for weeks to speak to someone can feel impossible. It can make everything worse. Stuart's experience was different. It was simple, fast, and life-changing.

In gratitude for the help he received, Stuart initially set out to pay it forward by trying to raise £1600 at the beginning of 2025 - the cost of giving four people the same four therapy sessions that helped him. Thanks to the kind sponsors, he managed to give seven people the chance of finding some answers at a tough time in their lives. You can find out more about that on Stuart's website.

Stuart's story is a powerful reminder that asking for help does not make you weak or less than. Your mental illness does not define you. It is okay not to be okay. There are free resources and organisations out there ready to help, and they will do it quickly.

He also urges others not to wait until breaking point.

"If you are thinking, I just cannot deal with this. The weight is too much. Do not wait until something breaks. You do not go to the doctor when you have got a fever of 104 and you have been hacking up a lung for two weeks - three days in and you are on the phone. And it should be the same with your mental health. The moment you are struggling, it is not weak to say, I need some help with what is going on in here."

Business owners, do not carry it alone

In Stuart's interview with Kiana, Director at Plenty of Stuff Studio, the two spoke about how business owners in particular can feel a unique kind of pressure. Often the ones others go to for help, guidance, and leadership, they are expected to have it all together; but behind the scenes, they can feel incredibly stuck when it comes to their own mental health.

Stuart shared some powerful perspective:

"And what in your business cannot you go and find a consultant for? IT consultants, HR consultants, risk consultants, you name it. There is a consultant out there. Why not a mental health consultant?"

It is a vital reminder that no matter your role, your responsibilities, or how many people rely on you, you are still allowed to ask for help. In fact, you are encouraged to.

Find out more about Big Moose Charity

Big Moose, is a mental health charity founded in memory of Gary ‘Moose' Cloonan. Their mission is to provide fast, free, and stigma-free mental health support. From your first message, you will get a response within 24 hours and see a qualified therapist within 7 days. They remove the barriers and red tape that often stop people from getting the help they need…because everyone deserves to be supported.

If you feel like you need to contact them or have a look at their services, you can do so on Big Moose Charity.

Find out more about Stuart Morrison

Stuart, has been serially self-employed for over 30 years and is involved with several businesses. He describes himself as someone with "fingers in pies, but not in a shady, dodgy way!" He runs a web development company, owns a hospitality business, does a lot of presenting, and even works as a town crier.

If you ask him what he does, his answer is simple:

"What do you need? The answer is yes, what is the question?"

With years of entrepreneurial experience and a genuine desire to help others, Stuart is now using his voice to break the silence around mental health, and raise funds to make real, lasting change.

If you would like to watch the interview of Stuart diving into his story, head over to our YouTube to watch it.

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Written by Kiana Douglin

Written on Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Kiana Douglin

Author/ Director, Plenty of Stuff Studio

Kiana draws on years of marketing experience, playing a key role in helping businesses grow and launching startups with effective marketing strategies and operations. Her background combines marketing expertise with skills in sales and events. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in nature-hiking in the mountains, chasing waterfalls, and traveling the world-while her love for poetry and music fuels her creative spirit.

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