Walking Through the Heavy Days For Your Mates- 1000km for Black Dog

From July 1 to my birthday on August 7, I’m walking and running 1,000km in 38 days, to challenge myself, and to speak openly about something I’ve often kept quiet mental health.

This isn’t just about me. I know and see so many mates who are struggling, sometimes silently, sometimes visibly and sometimes without even realising how much they’re carrying. Some are in the middle of it right now. Others are supporting someone they care about through it. And some are grieving someone they’ve lost. And some are longing for the past.

Like many people, I’ve had periods where I’ve really struggled. I’ve had dark days and heavy seasons. I’ve done a lot of work to get to a healthier place but recently, I realised I still carry shame. I still hesitate to ask for help or lean in to some heavy thoughts when I need to.

It hit me on a flight back from Perth for work. I sat down on the plane and, without warning, I just started crying. I didn’t even know why. Nothing huge had happened, Had just had positive outcomes for work and good feedback, but everything had quietly built up without me noticing over time, and I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Personal stress. Work pressure. Family stress. Exhaustion. Self-doubt. All stacked on top of each other. I felt overwhelmed and completely alone. And in that moment, a part of me just wanted to disappear.

The next day, after a conversation with some colleagues, they mentioned support services. I dismissed it almost immediately — even laughed at the idea. Not me, I thought. Then I reflected and caught myself. Why? Why did I react like that? Why do I still see asking for help as a weakness, even after everything I’ve learned? Why did I deflect, look away, or laugh it off? And if I want to support others, how can I do that if I won't let myself be supported?

It’s scary to admit you’re not okay. It’s even scarier to let someone see you like that. But I’ve learned that hiding it doesn’t protect you. It just isolates you.

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Australians every year. It doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve achieved. It shows up quietly. And if left unspoken, it can take over your life.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44. Seven men die by suicide every single day in Australia. That breaks my heart.

We need to talk about it. We need to check in on our mates. And we need to stop pretending we’re fine when sometimes we’re not. It is okay.

This challenge isn’t just about running or walking. It’s about showing up and speaking up; for myself and for others. It’s about raising awareness, learning to find comfort in discomfort, and trying to make a change.

I’m raising funds for the Black Dog Institute, whose work in mental health research, early intervention, and suicide prevention is saving lives.

If you can, please donate. But if you can’t that’s okay. You can still be part of this. Send a message. Check in on someone. Share your story. You never know how much it might mean.

Let’s walk. Let’s talk. Let’s make space for what’s real.
Bricky