Cassidy Degoumois

Why I’m Walking 40 Kilometres for Mental Health

This October, I’m taking part in One Foot Forward and walking 40 kilometres to raise $1,000 for the Black Dog Institute.

This challenge is deeply personal to me.

There have been times in my life when I have struggled more than most people ever realised. From the outside, I could smile, get dressed and act like everything was fine. Inside, I was fighting thoughts and feelings that became almost impossible to carry.

I have experienced moments when the pain felt so overwhelming that I reached the brink of suicide. I felt exhausted, trapped and convinced that the people I loved would be better off without me. I couldn’t see a way forward—I could only see the pain I was in.

But I am still here.

My journey hasn’t been easy or perfect. I have faced some incredibly dark periods, made mistakes and had to rebuild myself from the ground up. Some days, progress has meant taking huge steps forward. Other days, it has simply meant surviving until tomorrow.

I now understand that struggling with your mental health is not weakness. Asking for help is not attention-seeking, and speaking honestly about suicide is nothing to be ashamed of.

That is why I have decided to share this part of my story.

For me, walking 40 kilometres represents every step I have taken away from the darkest moments of my life. It represents choosing to keep going, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Most importantly, it represents every person who is currently fighting a battle that nobody else can see.

I am raising money for the Black Dog Institute to support mental-health research, education and suicide prevention. My goal is to raise $1,000 throughout October—and every donation, no matter the amount, will help.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to reach out, speak honestly or stay for another day, then it is worth it.

To anyone who is struggling: please know that you are not a burden. Your darkest moment does not have to become the end of your story. Keep putting one foot forward.

I am walking because I survived.

I am walking for those still fighting.

I am walking because every life is worth saving.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t face it alone:

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or access online chat at lifeline.org.au—available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Suicide Call Back Service: Call 1300 659 467 for free professional counselling and support.
• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 for free support for young people aged 5–25.
• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 for mental-health information and support.
• Immediate danger: Call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Please reach out. You matter, you are loved, and help is available.