A drummer in an up-and-coming rock band says he has recovered from his mental health struggles – and expressed his delight at his track being played on national radio.
Sudbury's Luke Woods found himself struggling with OCD and depression in his early 20s and was unemployed.
His therapist suggested he explore his passion for music, and Mr Woods got in touch with Noise Solution, which pairs participants with professional musicians to help them develop self-confidence.
Mr Woods, now 27, is part of a band, rosary, which has recently been played on BBC Radio 1's Introducing Rock show.
He said: "I was receiving therapy for OCD and depression, and I would always express to my therapist my love for music and playing the drums.
"At the time I would just play drums in my garage along to music as a sort of therapy for myself. But she set me up with Noise Solution.
"I was 20 at the time, unemployed with bad mental health – I never thought I could ever have a career in music.
"You are always told that there aren’t many jobs in music and you are never told about the careers you can get into.
"I created a piece of music I was really proud of and I played every single instrument and even sung. It made me so incredibly proud of myself.
"I knew I needed to pursue a career in music and find other musicians to play in a band with.
"I finally found my passion and something I was good at, my mental health really started to improve."
Mr Woods added: "I can’t believe where I am today when I look back at how low I was before.
"The band is doing really well, we were so excited to be played on national radio and we hope this will continue this way."
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