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Personal stories
Our community education programs are presented by people who have firsthand experience of the impact of mental illness and the stigma that can surround it.
These personal stories provide insight into how our volunteers felt after being diagnosed, the different ways they stay well and manage their mental illness, and their experiences talking to communities about mental health.
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Lived experience volunteers
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Matt
"My favourite moments during the presentations are when I get feedback from the audience or when someone comes up and wants to learn more."
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Gisela
'Something started to feel like it wasn’t right but I didn’t get help straight away because I felt the weight of the stigma.'
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Jacqui
‘I didn't understand what was going on. I didn’t realise I had gone beyond a normal level of sadness.’
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Dale
"Footy was something I’d grown up with and was passionate about. So when I decided to quit out of the blue I started to think ‘this is not me.'"
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Scott
'I have a really social and outgoing nature, so when I first spoke to my GP about my depression and anxiety, the doctor was shocked.'
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Craig
“One of the things I loved most about being a member of the Police Force was that I was a member of a really big, close knit family. I have that again now with Black Dog Institute. It’s a great community with a great purpose."
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Tasya
“I love being able to break down the stigma on mental health. I want to show people that no matter who you are as a person you could still experience a mental illness at some point in your life. It's so important to take care of your mental health and look out for warning signs."
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Bob
“I have a story to tell and truly believe that I can make an impact in people’s lives through my experiences"
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Dale
"For me the work I do with the Black Dog Institute is my sense of purpose.. it is my role as a Black Dog volunteer presenter that helps me maintain my health and wellbeing.”
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