My journey to becoming a mental health first aider stems from personal struggles that shaped who I am today.
There was a period in my life when I battled depression and heard intrusive voices that became overwhelming in silence. During those times, I felt utterly alone. At night, when my family was asleep, loneliness weighed heavily on me. During the day, I felt like I existed only to fulfill the role of “dad”—someone to work, pay the bills, and keep things running. I didn’t feel wanted or needed as a person, just as someone there to meet expectations.
From a young age, I struggled with a fractured sense of identity. I grew up with a different last name and was raised by a man I called “dad,” only to discover at 11 that he wasn’t my biological father. My real father had left to raise another family I hadn’t even known existed. This revelation left me feeling abandoned and disconnected.
I had to grow up fast, becoming independent because I had no choice. I became the caretaker for my family—looking after my mum and my younger siblings. Through all this, I developed a deep understanding of what it means to feel unsupported. I’ve always tried to be the person I needed when I was younger—a leader who listens, empathizes, and truly cares about people and their struggles.
I’m a naturally approachable person, which led me to join a workplace team with colleagues from HR who were passionate about improving mental health support. Together, we explored ways to help, and that’s when the opportunity to become a mental health first aider arose. I felt ready to take on the role and make a difference.
Since becoming a mental health first aider, people have begun to trust me with their stories. They open up about issues both at work and in their personal lives. Being that person they can turn to has given me a sense of purpose and pride. I know what it feels like to carry burdens in silence, and I understand how much it means to have someone who listens without judgment.
Helping others has also helped me. Sharing experiences and connecting with people who feel isolated has been healing. It reminds me that none of us are truly alone and that opening up can bring relief, no matter how heavy the struggle.
By supporting others, I’ve found a way to support myself. Becoming a mental health first aider isn’t just about helping people—it’s about being part of a journey where we all grow stronger together.
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