I WANT to tell you how proud I am of my partner – he has been through more than you could imagine and hasn't deserved a single minute of the torment he has faced.

Life can get us all down from time to time, but when we say that we will probably be talking about a few bumps along the road. We think of ourselves as resilient because we can take those bumps in our stride.

Others have to deal with so much more and it's not just those bumps that are the problem. Some issues are more severe. Some events cut deep. Some leave scars.

If you have never experienced trauma, of any real degree, it might be different to understand. But the horrors partner has been through would be the breaking of most. I would love to tell you so that you may understand; but that wouldn't be fair. Suffice to say, it's been a years of misery following by years of reliving the misery.

However, the reason I wanted to tell you all about him is because his struggles might bring some hope to others. The traumas that afflicted him were great but the emotional fallout they left behind were much worse. He has endured poor mental health for years, and none of it was his own fault. He made some mistakes as a result; but I never gave up hope on him.

I realise that many people who are considered anti-social or deviant and are simply unable to connect with their fellow human beings. I'm willing to bet the people you read about committing crime after crime and end up in prison will have been through more than you think.

My partner found himself in some bother, but I never gave up hope he could recover – that he would come back to me. The catalyst was a diary and he began to write down his thoughts and feelings. Having a place to express himself, where he couldn't be judged, was crucial. He then began to share with me. Small steps; big strides.

He continues to write. The difference it has made is unbelievable. Who know such a small notion could do so much good.

With that in mind, I have taken a leaf out of his book. My partner; my hero. I have put my thoughts to paper. I hope you might want to do the same. I'll never give up hope.