Mental Health Awareness Month – A Personal Reflection

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage honest conversations around mental health. This month, I want to speak openly – not just in recognition of awareness, but to share how I’m really doing. Because awareness starts with honesty.

How I'm Coping – The Real Talk

To be quite frank, I’m coping – but it’s not always easy.

There are days when I feel steady, when the routines I’ve built for myself help me stay grounded. I’m working, staying active, keeping appointments with my support team, and focusing on the things I love – like photography, cooking, and connecting with the people I care about. These things keep me afloat.

But beneath the surface, I’m still struggling with stress and anxiety. There are moments when it feels like everything is moving too fast, or like I’m trying to hold too much at once. Sometimes, I overthink small things. Other times, my body feels tense or tired from the mental load. Anxiety doesn’t always knock loudly – sometimes it’s just a quiet, constant hum in the background.

Despite having coping mechanisms, the journey is ongoing. I’ve come a long way, but I still have hard days. And that’s okay. I’m learning that mental health isn’t about being "cured" or "fixed" – it’s about understanding myself better, building resilience, and reaching out when I need help.

My Support Network

I’m incredibly grateful to have a team around me – my psychologist, doctors, physiotherapists, and family. They’ve helped me work through so much. I’ve also been learning techniques like mindfulness, body awareness, and grounding, which help when I feel overwhelmed. Talking with people I trust – like my close friends and family – helps me feel less alone, especially on days when the anxiety flares up.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been having a tough time, please know you’re not alone either. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to talk about it.

Mental Health Hotlines & Support Services in Australia

If you or someone you know needs support, here are some free, confidential resources available 24/7:

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14
    For anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or crisis.

  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
    Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges. They also offer online chat and forums.

  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
    For young people aged 5–25 to talk about anything on their mind.

  • Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467
    For people affected by suicide – individuals, carers, or those bereaved.

  • 13YARN – 13 92 76
    A confidential service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in crisis.

  • MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
    For men dealing with family, relationship issues, or mental health struggles.

  • Headspace – www.headspace.org.au
    Great for young Australians (aged 12–25) looking for mental health support and guidance.

  • QLife – 1800 184 527
    Support for LGBTQIA+ Australians, available via phone and web chat.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about statistics or headlines. It’s about people. It’s about showing up for ourselves and for each other. It’s about knowing that healing isn’t linear and that asking for help is not weakness – it’s strength.

So, this May, I’m choosing to keep talking, keep sharing, and keep healing. If you’re doing the same – even in your own quiet way – I see you. And I’m walking this path with you.

Let’s continue to support one another and push for a world where mental health is treated with the care, urgency, and compassion it deserves.

Take care of your mind. Be kind to yourself. You matter.

— Luke Ransley
Mental Health Advocate, Photographer, Apple Collector, and Proud Human Being

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