Growing up, Sean loved his life. He was surrounded by his brothers, and they spent all their time playing sport. He didn't want anything to ruin it. And being gay - well, he didn't know how that would go down.  Ignoring that part of himself led to the creation of Sean’s alter ego, Hank. Appearing whenever Sean drank alcohol, Hank was loud, obnoxious and always getting into trouble. Something that Sean wasn’t and didn’t want to be. But if getting drunk meant he didn’t have to pick up a girl, then he’d rather be Hank.  Over time, Sean began to isolate himself and his mental health deteriorated. Finding someone to talk to, someone who shared and understood Sean’s struggles, turned everything around.    This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.  You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/self-denialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guilt and shame defined Jake’s life for over a decade. He couldn’t see past his own self-loathing.   When he asked for help, everything changed. And while talking was hard, it was nothing compared to the anguish and loneliness of silence.   This is a story about recovery and turning down the volume on the negative voice in your head. This episode of Not Alone was produced by Sarah Alexander and Darcy Sutton, and was narrated by Thomas Russell. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music. You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at: bb.org.au/ManagingDepression See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily’s childhood was defined by pressure. Pressure to get the perfect grade, to fit in, to excel. Their impossible standards left them feeling like a failure. All the time.  This episode is about the constant battle between anxiety and depression and how recovery looks different for everyone.   Emily’s recovery started when they found an online forum community that showed them, they weren’t alone. It’s a story that shows recovery looks different for everyone. No matter how dark life gets.    This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Thomas Russell. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.  You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/anxiety-vs-depression See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living out his dream in the AFL, Liam Stocker thought mental health wasn’t something he had to worry about.   His anxiety had other ideas. Panic attacks became a regular occurrence, although Liam always felt he had to hide them.  This latest episode of Not Alone is about accepting help, however scary it may be.   This episode of Not Alone was produced by Darcy Sutton and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music. You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at: bit.ly/AnxietyAndMyAFLCareer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From an early age, much of Amy’s life has been consumed by anxiety, especially in social situations.  Dating was especially difficult.  Nerves around dating are something almost everyone can relate to. But for Amy, it was overwhelming dread. And for many years, it stopped her from even trying to form a relationship.  Now in her 30s, Amy reflects on her early dating experiences.  This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music. You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/dating-anxiety See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story about anxiety, depression and finding your community, wherever they may be.

Mental health issues cover the full spectrum of feelings. But for many, they can be defined by a distinct lack of feeling.Growing up in a small coastal town, James' love of the water drew him to work on a ship when he finished school. From day one, James experienced bullying and abuse that left him feeling numb. In a constant state of fear. Suicidal.On leaving the ship, the trauma followed him.In this episode, James talks about how he rediscovered beauty when he stopped trying to outrun his trauma.Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/numbnessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. It’s a mantra Priscilla wholly believes.Living with chronic physical pain. The grief of losing a loved one. The breakdown of a marriage. When daily tasks became insurmountable and life overwhelming, Priscilla couldn’t see a way through. But in adversity, she has come to understand that while pain is inevitable, she does have control over how she handles it.This episode is about finding purpose through pain.Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/growththroughpainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am a gay man. Five words that Maxim couldn't bring himself to say out loud. And so, for the best part of a decade, Maxim hid, refusing to accept his sexuality. But with this silence came a sense of complete disconnect – to everything and everyone around him. This is an episode about sexuality, self-acceptance and finding your voice.Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/selfacceptanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For nearly three decades, Ross carried a burden that he kept to himself. By not speaking of the trauma he experienced as a child, he hoped it would become nothing more than a memory. But his anger bubbled away, sometimes beyond his control. And it was in his relationships with others he saw just how much the trauma was affecting him. This episode is about the far-reaching impact of trauma, and why it's never too late to seek help.Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. Additional music for this episode sourced from purple-planet.com. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/understandingtraumaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.