Allinto Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Recovery Coach, Nigel, knows how it feels to be down and out.
“I know what it feels like to be broken,” said Nigel.
It’s part of the reason he feels so passionate about supporting others with their mental health.
“Hitting rock bottom and starting to climb back out of that rabbit hole, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Prior to joining Allinto, Nigel was nearly 40 kilograms heavier and turning to alcohol to cope with stress.
He was burnt out from working long hours in the motor industry and feeling powerless to help struggling families who were unable to pay to fix their cars.
Desperate to make a change, Nigel completed a Diploma of Child, Youth & Family Intervention and entered the disability sector.
“I thought, why not push myself, do something different and help people,” said Nigel.
“You can’t help everyone, but I love helping where I can.”
Now, Nigel works with participants through Allinto to understand their barriers, link them with the right supports and build appropriate goal–oriented recovery plans.
“Most of my participants are older, so there’s a lot of old school habits there,” said Nigel.
“They’ve watched their parents provide for their family their whole life, and when they feel like they can’t do that, they fall into a negative mindset.”
He is passionate about helping participants explore new goals and work towards them to maximise their quality of life.
“I remind them to take each day as it comes,” said Nigel.
“Don’t dwell on the past and get tied up in the little things. Just push onto the future. Sometimes small steps, sometimes big steps.”
Reflecting on Men’s Health Week, Nigel is sharing the message that it isn’t weak or shameful to speak up during times of struggle.
“Reach out. You have family, friends. You might have a neighbour. It could be anyone. Just reach out, own it.”
He is also reminding people that small steps to change can have a big impact.
“The pyramids weren’t built overnight, but they were laying blocks every day.”
Men’s Health Week is recognised from 10 – 16 June and is an opportunity to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men in our communities.
Need to talk to someone? Please reach out for help.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
13YARN: 13 92 76
headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au