Learn about mental health

Stories to inspire you

When it comes to mental health, we all have our own unique stories to tell. But no matter what we are going through, there are other people experiencing it too.

Read, watch and listen to stories from everyday Australians about the signs and symptoms they experienced, how they got support, and what they do to stay well now.

Hearing their stories of recovery can help you imagine your own journey.
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What a panic attack feels like - Milli's story

Panic attacks can affect people in different ways. Milli takes us through what a panic attack felt like for her, why she started having them, and how she got support.
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Read stories from the community

Explore first-person accounts and interviews from community members about their mental health journey.

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When depression and alcohol meet – Richard's story

Richard's alcohol addiction and battle with depression took a massive toll. After battling for years, he took action to turn his life around.

Not fixed, not broken - Cliff’s story of post-traumatic growth

After the bushfires of 2009, Cliff Overton spent a decade trying to move on from what he had seen. Eventually, he realised he couldn’t. One traumatic day had changed him forever. And through acceptance, came growth.

Parenting, depression and coping with life – Georgie’s story

After a tough upbringing, Georgie wants to use her past experiences to create a safe environment for her family.  
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“I gave up on talking” - Daniel's story

Daniel shares his experience of living with a stutter and depression. After bullying saw him spend a year refusing to talk, Daniel had to learn to find his voice again.

"I'm well because I'm able to connect" - David's story

David Corduff first experienced depression and anxiety in his thirties. Decades later, he’s grown to understand how important feeling connected to others is.

“I’m a doctor, I shouldn’t get sick” – Geoff’s experience of work stress and depression

Despite spending decades helping others get better, Geoff’s greatest challenge was taking care of himself.

Trauma and losing my coping strategy – Nicole’s story

After suffering an injury while dancing, Nicole struggled to deal with the impact of losing her greatest outlet.

Emily's story

My ability is bigger than my disability - Isis' story

From being diagnosed with cerebral palsy to breaking world records, Isis Holt has had a different upbringing to most teenagers.

The gratitude mindset and dealing with setbacks - advice from Danni Di Toro

Danni Di Toro talks to Beyond Blue about the gratitude mindset and dealing with setbacks.

Aiming for the impossible - Craig's experience of depression and parenting

Craig always had certain expectations of what it meant to be a man. When he became a father, his perspective changed.

“I thought he’d be better off without me” - Sandi’s experience of post-natal depression

After wanting to be a mother all her life, Sandi found the reality of parenting tougher than she expected. 

Self-loathing, depression and embracing love - Sean's story

Sean's perspective on the importance of connection and the impact that it had on him as he struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.
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It's taken most of my life to learn I am worthy of living - Emily's story

Emily shares her journey of depression, anxiety and ultimately, hope.

Anxiety doesn't stop for your AFL career - Liam's story

Living out his dream in the AFL playing for Carlton, Liam thought mental health wasn’t something he had to worry about.  

Watch their journey

Take a look behind the scenes of everyday Australians as they share their mental health journey and tips on staying well.
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Stories from the LGBTIQ+ community

Sharing personal stories fosters connection, support, and understanding within the LGBTIQ+ community.

Here, individuals share their journeys, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs they have faced.

Explore stories from the LGBTIQ+ community

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Not Alone – a podcast by Beyond Blue

When it comes to mental health, we all have our own unique stories to tell. But no matter what we are going through, there are other people experiencing it too.

From Beyond Blue, this is Not Alone. A podcast where everyday Australians talk about their mental health journey to help you with yours.

Subscribe to the series in Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts so that you are notified when the next episode is released.

 

Share your story

The personal stories shared here feature Beyond Blue community members from our Speakers and Blue Voices programs.

If you would like to share your story, get involved today.
You can also anonymously share your experiences and chat to our welcoming peer support community on our online forums.
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