From breaking point to ambassador

The former Corowa local was in a dark place and thought the only way out would be to take his own life.

“Not long after my 30th birthday everything went downhill,” the father of two said.

“I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Shortly after my attempt, I went back to work. It was my line manager at the time that told me I needed to see a doctor.

“That’s when I received my first clinical diagnosis of depression, anxiety and emotional lability.”

Following his diagnosis, Mr Lawson realised he needed to be open about his experience and struggle with mental health.

“I was brought up in a typical Aussie family that unfortunately saw the stigma around mental health,” Mr Lawson said.

“I had to unlearn that behaviour and be open with my family about what was going on. Dad was one of the hardest people to speak to about it because he was raised with the belief ‘what have you got to be sad about’.

“Now he’s one of my biggest supporters and he has done everything in his power to eradicate his old beliefs from his life. He is one of many people now who will always be there for me if I need it.

“My friends eventually found out too because of a panic and anxiety attack I had at work. On the way to the hospital, I wrote a Facebook status that said, ‘why me?’.

“The love and positive comments and the messages I received just off those two words was enough for me to realise that these people need to know what’s going on.”

As Mr Lawson became more open about his experiences, more people reached out and shared their own mental health struggles.

Inspired by his experience, he began his online platform, titled ‘3 words. I Need Help’ in August 2015.

“Based on my open conversations, I became aware that a number of mates that were going through very similar situations,” he said.

“I wanted to create a safe space for my mates to share what was going and help each other out.”

Mr Lawson’s wife Cara added that they wanted to provide more information and support to people who were experiencing a mental health condition.

“We didn’t know where to go or who to talk to, to get Patrick medical support,” she said.

“I’d never thought in a million years that I would be in the situation we were dealing with.

“It opened the floodgates up a bit when people started asking questions about what we did and the first step we took.

“A lot of information was also put on the page about what steps to do if someone tells you they’re not okay or what steps to take yourself.”

Mr Lawson said many people were shocked to discover he had a mental illness.

“It was more of a shock to them than it was to me because I’ve always been that fun, life of the party person,” he said.

A lot of people didn’t realise it and I didn’t realise myself until everything was building up to breaking point.

“At the end of the day, I’m just a regular bloke. I’m not in the news I’m not in a sporting field. I’m just a standard bloke that people need to hear from.

“I just want to show people that you don’t have to be a public figure to live with mental illness. It can affect anybody at any time. You need to know that there is support out there and if you don’t know where they are, I’ll put you in the right direction.”

Mr Lawson said it was important people ask for help.

“Don’t suffer in silence. You have to remember that they are not alone,” he said.

“There is always somebody out there wanting and willing to help in any way, shape or form.

“Know that you can turn to anybody and if you’re not comfortable talking to anybody, find someone that you are comfortable with talking to.

“It’s not easy to ask someone for help but once you do, follow the procedures in place and do what you’ve got to do to get yourself physically and mentally better.

“Keep pushing through because it’s bloody worth it.

“From someone who’s been on the edge numerous times, you don’t realise how special life is until it’s almost taken away.”

To find out more about Patrick Lawson’s online platform, visit www.facebook.com/3Words.au.

Statistics paint startling picture

Be aware, seek support