Luke (L) sits down with MNB Team mate Tom (T) as he opens up about his journey with mental health—and why speaking up and facing these conversations matters.
L: How old were you when you first noticed your mental health was being impacted?
T: My mental health journey probably started when I was around 16. I had a seizure—I remember my hand cramping up, then blacking out and collapsing. I woke up to paramedics in my bedroom. After some tests at the hospital, doctors thought it was caused by being in the spa too long and my body overheating.
L: How did that experience impact your mental health?
T: After the seizure, I started having panic attacks whenever my hand cramped—I’d immediately think I was about to have another one. It got to the point where I developed agoraphobia and didn’t want to leave the house because I was scared something might happen again. As a 16-year-old, that really impacted my ability to socialise and just be a normal teenager.
L: Did you seek support?
T: Yeah, I did. I saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with major depressive disorder (MDD) and put me on paroxetine. I also started to see a therapist to work through was happening for me. That was probably the beginning of my journey with anxiety and depression.
L: How has your mental health been since that first diagnosis?
T: To be honest, I’ve had my ups and downs over the years. I’ve seen some great therapists and tried different forms of treatment—ACT therapy, for example, has really helped with my Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). After 16 years working in community services (Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs and Homelessness), often in high-stress and volatile environments, I also developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A lot of that came from witnessing and being involved in high-risk and traumatic situations. This was one of the key reasons I stepped away from welfare work after 16 years. At some point, I had to ask myself—how can you support others properly if you’re not looking after yourself.
L: Tell me more about how PTSD has impacted you.
T: It can come and go. Things like yelling or screaming will trigger me—I become hyper-vigilant. Sirens, like police or ambulance, can set me off a bit too. I usually sit with my back to the wall wherever I am and, in my head, I’ll have an exit plan in case something kicks off. Breathing techniques really help me slow my heart rate and settle things down.
Overall, anything ending with the word “Disorder” in it—I’ve probably had it (laughs). PTSD, OCD, GAD, MDD… I’ve picked up a few along the way.
L: How are things now that you’re in a new line of work?
T: Things are a lot better. I still have my ups and downs with anxiety and PTSD, but I’ve built up some really solid support systems and coping strategies over the years. I’ve got a good understanding now of when I need to reach out, and I’m never shy or ashamed to say I need a check-in. I’m lucky to have an incredible family, a great group of mates who keep me grounded, and my dog Sox, who shows me unconditional love every day. They are my reason to keep fighting the good fight!
L: What advice would you give to someone who might be struggling?
T: You can feel like you’re completely alone—that no one else would understand what you’re going through. But once you start talking and opening up, you realise just how common these experiences are. Don’t let a diagnosis define who you are. Think of it like this—you can have a brand new $100 note straight from the mint, or one that’s worn, torn, and been through a lot. It might look different, it might carry a few scars, but its value never changes. And neither does yours.
If we can break down that silence, we can help prevent unnecessary deaths by suicide. Speak up, be proud of your journey, and never be afraid to ask for support.
L: Thanks for being so open and honest, mate—really appreciate it.
Disclaimer
The content shared on this website is for general information, personal reflection, and awareness purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, medical advice, mental health diagnosis, or treatment. Marked Not Broken does not replace professional support. The experiences, thoughts, and opinions expressed are personal and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek advice from a qualified health professional if you have concerns about your mental health or wellbeing. If you are experiencing distress or are in immediate danger, please seek urgent help. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or emergency services on 000.
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