Alex Andrews

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide, I am walking in support of the families that have tragically lost loved ones to mental illness. I am walking for my beautiful cousin Yvette and close friend Lyndon, who I lost to suicide as a teenager, because a person only dies when the last person that remembers them, dies. I am walking for my children Liam, Casey, Nora and Violet, so they know their Dad has got their backs should they feel a darkness around them and I am walking for me, because I need to lead from the front and be the shield for the people I care about, I don't know any other way. My story like so many others is fraught with a journey of trauma, addiction, a victim of abuse and a lack of positive influences in my early life. This led to teenage depression and two attempts on my life, I guess someone up above wasn't as busy on those days because someone would be close by to save me from myself. As I grew older, the traumas of my childhood and teenage years led to diagnosis of PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder. I suffered greatly, and I wish I had the resources, support networks and institutions like Black Dog in my life then. You see I grew up in a strict religious household, that taught me depression was a sin and to be ashamed of how I felt. This led to me associating with the wrong kinds of people, addiction and a desperate need to feel something other than a darkness surrounding me, choking my existence. Now through seeking professional help as an adult and the inspiration of other survivors, I have been able to take these experiences and use them to drive positive outcomes in my life. I am a proud father, a loyal friend and driven professional where I am thankful everyday for opportunities I've created and the many amazing mentors I have had along the way.. For those who are reading this, I have felt the significant pain and tightness in the chest, the static in the brain and the after effect of hurting myself. I know that what the mind replays, the heart cannot delete. But we are an incredible form of life, seek the help of the professionals and networks available to you, all it takes is one call, one message, one appointment and you will see and feel just how powerful you are. Because I do!