I struggled with suicide and homelessness

Content warning: Contains mental health content that may be distressing

My name is Nash. I’m 19. I love football, country music and my dog. I’m also a proud Torres Strait Islander!

I started experiencing mental health challenges in my early teen years. I was bullied at school and started to self-harm. I thought that males were meant to bottle things up and I didn’t show any emotions.

A teacher I trusted helped me find the right people and supports to help me. A few years ago I started receiving professional support to manage my mental health.

As I got older, I struggled with suicide and experienced homelessness and relationship breakdowns with family and friends. I’m receiving ongoing mental health treatment and support.

I’ve realised it’s ok not to be ok. Things are getting better. When I have a tough day, I self-care by listening to music and going for walks. Sometimes I just veg out watching the NRL while sipping orange juice.

I also focus on what’s important to me and gives me purpose, which includes using my lived experience of mental health to be a role model and help others. I’ve started exploring my sexual and gender identities and feel a lot happier being free to express myself.

I’ve accepted myself for who I am and try not to take others’ judgements on board. I’ve also started being a LGBTIQ+ advocate to help same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people to be heard.