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.
Movember | 'Tis the season to be moe-y... Fa la la la la, la la la la
November, for us in the southern part of the world summer is only around the corner, while up north the chills of winter are creeping in. Christmas decorations are starting to make their early appearance in shopping centres, and upper lips are starting to gain more and more hair as the days go by.
It's the glorious time of year that can only be known as Movember, and I finally got my act together and set up my page. Yay for organisation!
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 Radio interview | Miranda Devine 2GB
Last night I spoke with Miranda Devine about my book 'mum, i wish i was dead', my journey with depression, RUOK Day, and the importance of having a conversation and speaking about our mental health.
RUOK Day | It’s more than just asking a question
Every now and then I ask my friends from overseas what they’ve learnt from the ‘eloquently rich and diverse’ Australian language since they arrived.
Generally, there are the uniquely Aussie (this is one of the words!) phrases such as bogan, drop bears, and Maccas. We also try to shorten as many words as possible by adding an ‘o’ or ‘ies’ to the end; arvo, servo, vego, sunnies, boardies, mozzies, etc. A mate can be a best friend or a complete stranger, and of course the most valuable lesson is realising that thongs are something you wear on your feet.
This is a personally signed copy.