To mark World Mental Health Day, Endeavour Foundation employee Lucas shares his raw and powerful story.

The date 10 October is World Mental Health Day – a time to raise awareness of mental health issues and the need to prioritise our mental wellbeing.

Lucas, 33, knows the importance of this occasion as well as anyone.

Here, the marketing assistant from our Support Centre in Brisbane details his lived experience managing mental health from a young age.

A brilliant writer, Lucas also shares his top tips for prioritising mental wellbeing.

Years of Struggling

I am someone who has unfortunately struggled with their mental health for much of my life.

It often feels as though my mind is working against me, and no matter how hard I try, I just cannot do anything right or that those around me only think lowly of me.

It can often be as though I cannot get myself out of bed or that there is no point in doing so, because at that time I feel like life is meaningless.

Sometimes, it can feel like I have no energy, and I shut myself off from the world around me.

Late at night, I might struggle to sleep because it is just my negative thoughts and me.

Thankfully, I am fortunate that I am not alone in my struggles with anxiety and depression.

I have family and friends who love and respect me greatly and a psychologist who I see regularly.

Even if we might have these things, there is still more we can do to look after ourselves and others who might be in need.

Take the Time for You

Here are my top tips for prioritising mental wellbeing:

• Start the morning with coffee (or tea, if that is more your jam. Or jam!)
• Go for a walk (or run, whatever floats your boat)
• Scream at the sun (completely optional, of course)
• Eat healthily (or at least try to)

If you are struggling with your mental health, please remember this…

It might not seem like it right now, but things can and will get better. We just need to be around to see it through.

Help Is Always Available

If you are feeling down, talk to someone you trust.

That someone could be a family member, a friend or a therapist.

You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14. They are available any time you need a safe space to talk about any worries or concerns that you might have.

Nothing is too big or too small.

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Lucas is here to talk mental health.

For 33 years, Lucas has been living his best life, despite his struggles with his mental health.
He has been kind enough to write about his experiences in the hope that it might help someone else who’s facing similar struggles.