“Having literally had my life saved by Lifeline in the past, it seemed like the natural step to take,” Michael explained. “I wanted to raise critical awareness and funds for this incredible charity while continuing my own journey of mental health recovery.”
Diagnosed with Complex Trauma in 2020, Michael’s life has been shaped by significant mental health challenges, including childhood abuse and suicidal ideation. “By the age of 8, I had already experienced every kind of abuse as a child, often at the hands of those responsible for caring for me,” he shared. Despite the weight of these experiences, Michael has spent years working toward recovery, crediting Lifeline for providing the support he needed during his darkest hour.
“Nine years ago, I was in crisis. I was ready to end my life prematurely, and it was Lifeline that helped me hold on. They were the first step in gaining awareness about mental health and wellbeing,” Michael said. “I see them as a group of unnamed and unpaid heroes - the first people to reach out to in a crisis. I can’t help but get a little emotional when I think about how they were there for me.”
Michael’s journey to recovery has been complex, but he’s found tools and outlets to help him navigate daily challenges. Writing, whether journaling, poetry, or songwriting, has been a lifeline of its own ever since he was young. “ I realise now that back then, I was writing as a way of processing my experiences and feelings, and I guess that is something I continue to do”, he explained. Michael is currently working on his first song with the help of an award-winning producer. “This song, as well as others in the pipeline, are a way of finding the voice I never had and finding a way to share my experiences.”
Another key to Michael’s recovery has been finding supportive communities. “The 12-step process has been pivotal to my recovery,” he said. “ While I was never an alcoholic or drug-addict, these steps have been everything in finding my value, gaining support, and finding meaning in life. Talking about challenges have been so important to getting feelings out in the open and finding another ear to listen without judgement.” He also relies on professional mental health support and online resources, ensuring he has the tools to realign his thinking.
Reflecting on the broader mental health landscape in Australia, Michael highlights the need for urgent action. “Mental and emotional wellbeing is directly impacted –by our own lived experiences, trauma, environment, cultural differences, and generational impacts. It’s a complex system,” he explained. “We need grassroots-level work within communities, supported by larger national strategies that are flexible enough to meet diverse needs.”
Lifeline is the band-aid so many people in need reach out to. The ongoing support provided, like strategies, financial guidance, and active community engagement from Lifeline perfectly addresses the strategies needed to build awareness at a grassroots level, while also being large enough to positively shape the mental health topic around Australia.
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or text on 0477 13 11 14.
Read more stories of Aussies just like Michael who have been impacted by mental health challenges on our Stories page.
