Making a difference: Benalla's Michael Donehue appeared on Roll with the Punches this week to talk about his work to normalise mental health conversations.
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Benalla’s Michael Donehue has has been through some tough times, having turned his life around he now does his best to help others do the same.
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Struggling with his mental health throughout his early life he didn’t know where to turn.
He would spiral into alcoholism and at times found himself contemplating suicide.
But his life would take a positive turn the day he overcame his apprehension and told his parents he was struggling.
That day set off a domino affect, starting with a trip to talk to his local GP.
That first conversation would lead to him turning his life around and using his lived experience to help others.
This week he appeared on Roll with the Punches, a podcast and television program which airs on Channel 31, hosted by Tiffany Cooke.
She describes the series as packing a punch through storytelling, exploring life and the human experience.
Michael said the opportunity to take part came about after he spoke at a Ray Chamberlain luncheon at Crown.
“Ray was an AFL umpire who has his own suicide prevention foundation,” Michael said.
“I’d met him and we got talking. And he asked me if I’d like to speak in front of 250 people and share my experience.
“It was at that event I met Tiffany. We had a bit of a connection, and she invited me to come on to the podcast and TV show.
“We filmed the episode on Sunday (March 27).”
Michael said his appearance on the show, and his public speaking, was all about encouraging people to have a conversation with those they trusted, and feeling comfortable about doing that.
“I’ve had good experiences with health professionals but I know there’s other people out there who have not had that luxury,” he said.
“So it’s all about making a connection with the most important people in your life and talking to them.
"And knowing no mater how hard life can be at times there is always someone there to pick you up and help you through, if you put those things in place.“
Michael said speaking about mental health, and sharing what was going on in your life when you were not feeling great, was something that needed to be normalised.
“It is so important because the more we can open up and talk about these things, the more normal it gets,” he said.
"For me, growing up in Benalla, it took a long time for me to open up and talk about what I was going through.
“I used to think the hardest part of living with mental illness was talking to people about it.
“But the hardest part is actually putting on that mask every day and pretending everything is okay.”
Michael said the other important thing to understand was that others might be experiencing problems with their mental health while acting like they were fine.
“One in five Australians aged 16 to 85 have mental health issues,” he said.
“There are so many people you walk past in the street who might be going through a tough time.
“So the kinder we can be to each other the better it will be for the people who are going through tough times.”
Mental health has been front and centre of debate during the past two years of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
People who might have never had issues before could be suffering.
Michael reiterated that if you were feeling like everything was not right, it was important to have that first conversation.
“Find that person you feel comfortable with and trust,” he said.
“It could be Mum, Dad, a brother, sister, cousin, coach, teacher. Someone in your life you can talk to.
“We always talk about how important health professionals are, but if you don’t feel comfortable going to them, find the person you do feel comfortable with and reach out.”
On top of speaking about his experiences with mental health issues, and helping others get on the right track, Michael has also found a unique way to spread his message.
He set up a business in 2020 that sells clothing with a message that aims to help people have difficult conversations.
He describes Journey Apparel as more than a clothing label.
“It is about creating change, raising awareness about mental health and starting important conversations with the people around you,” he said.
“If you wear a Journey Apparel item, you are vowing to provide a safe and comfortable environment to drive this conversation.
“You are delivering a message from a logo that says to those around you that they won’t be judged, they don't need to feel shame, and that you are there to listen and support them.”
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