Thank You Covid: Turning challenges into opportunities after the crisis

Barry Williams hit rock bottom when his relationship broke down, he lost his job and had to leave his rented house - all within three months. But after going on a ‘personal development binge’, he turned his life around

Barry Williams, author of Thank You Covid. Photograph: Patrick Browne

The learning I had from counselling was my feelings were valid. I didn’t have to feel upset or shame about them. I also worked a lot on my self-esteem

A 36-year-old Co Laois man, who has lived through some dark moments and found them to be opportunities for personal growth and transformation, has written a book, published just in time for this year’s Men’s Health Week, which runs from next Monday.