Eventually he came through, embarking on a successful career in broadcasting. His down moments are these days less frequent. But he believes now his recovery would have been accelerated had he been brave enough to talk about his issues.
“One hundred per cent. I didn’t talk about it for way too long. I just got on with it. I look back and think I went through some dark, dark times. I should have sought help. But I didn’t because I thought it was weak to admit to a problem.”
Since he has finally done so, Thomas has found the very process of talking therapeutic. Mere discussion, he says, can enhance the sense of a burden lifting.
“You might think yours is a rubbish reason to feel low. I can tell you now, it’s not. Just talk to somebody, anybody. You’ll find it really helps. I know, because I’ve finally done it. The weird thing for me was I happened to admit to it to Prince Harry.”
And since their conversation, Thomas has become a committed advocate of Heads Together, keen to spread its message of openness and dialogue.
“Harry’s brilliant selling point is that, yes, he’s this huge figure, but he’s very approachable,” he says. “If he can talk about mental health issues, hopefully it means everyone can. For him to say he finds things difficult occasionally, that’s massive. It makes you realise you aren’t alone. It can and does happen to anyone, from princes to park keepers. Athletes certainly aren’t immune. Just talk about it. What’s been such a revelation for me is that there are people out there – loads of people – who will talk to you, people who will listen.”
Including a burger-flipping prince.