teenager

Young People’s Human Rights Medal

I was both surprised and honoured when told about being selected as a finalist for the Australian Young People's Human Rights medal.

More so, I was deeply humbled to find out the group of inspiring young Australians I was a part of.

Mum, I wish I was dead - A parents perspective | Mental As - ABC Radio - Jessica Bineth

As part of the ABC's Mental As programming, Jessica Bineth interviewed both mum and dad, to help give a parents perspective on my depression. It also sheds light on how a mental illness can affect more than just the sufferer.

Anne:

"He called me into his room very upset one morning and said, 'mummy my heart is black, my body is full of anger and I wish I was dead'."

The road to recovery shouldn't be so dark | Niamh Slevin - The Australia Times GIVE magazine

Mental illness is often an uncomfortable topic for many as people have a lack of understanding or cannot comprehend. It is essential to share the facts and talk openly about experiences in order to equip others with knowledge and fight the stigma attached to mental illness that directly impacts on those affected.

“I told mum my heart is black, my body is full of anger and I want to die”

Sad taboo: Can We Talk Newcastle forum brings dark subject of mental health and suicide to the light | The Sunday Telegraph

Schwartz, now 25 and Taylor, 24, told their excruciatingly personal stories of mental ill-health at The Sunday Telegraph’s Can We Talk forum in Newcastle on Tuesday.

For both young people, the key to survival was finding the courage to tell their parents the truth about their feelings — and then trying several mental health professionals until they found one who ‘clicked’.

Heads Up: Young Black Dog volunteers share their personal battles with mental health | ABC News

I'm fortunate to be alongside 11 other amazing young people who have openly shared their stories, not just amongst friends, but to a national audience. For some, this may seem like a dream, however for others, it's the complete opposite; even acknowledging it within themselves, or being open with their loved ones can take years, let alone being ready to share with the country.

It is a true reflection on the recovery, strength, and wellness of all these individuals.

Mental health: Adam Schwartz shares journey of hope through depression to help other sufferers | ABC News - Heads Up

The mental health journey of 24-year-old university student Adam Schwartz has taken him to the darkest places since he was 10, but "hope for the future" is what saved him from severe depression.

Mr Schwartz — who is now an author, speaker and Black Dog volunteer youth presenter based in Sydney — said he had suicidal thoughts from a young age.

"Mum has reminded me that when I was 10, I told her my heart is black, my body is full of anger, and that I wish I was dead," he said.

Black Dog Institute interview - Sharing my experiences and insights with suicide | ABC News - Heads Up campaign

A few weeks ago I did an interview with the Black Dog Institute discussing my experience with suicide, suicidal thoughts and ideations, how I got to such a dark place, and the importance of hope.

It's mainly been used for educational purposes in a program that is being designed for GP's to better understand suicide.

Live Interview with Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand National

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Kathryn Ryan for Radio New Zealand National. Not only did we discuss my book 'mum, i wish i was dead', we went into detail about the tools I use to maintain my health, the importance of persistence, struggles with suicide, the effects depression has on family, friends and school, what it's like to wear the "mask" to try and fit in, as well as much more.

Black Dog Institute’s ‘Expert Insights’ Forum – Adolescent Mental Health

The Black Dog Institute hosts a series of monthly Expert Insight forums for GP's and professionals in mental health. It was a pleasure to be on the panel with Dr. Josephine Anderson, Dr. Yael Perry, and Dr. Lexine Stapinski, to have an open discussion about the latest research, technologies, and developments in adolescent mental health; moderated by Dr. Vered Gordon.