Not Alone

From an early age, much of Amy’s life has been consumed by anxiety, especially in social situations. 

Dating was especially difficult. 

Nerves around dating are something almost everyone can relate to. But for Amy, it was overwhelming dread. And for many years, it stopped her from even trying to form a relationship. 

Now in her 30s, Amy reflects on her early dating experiences. 

This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.

You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/dating-anxiety 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the time she could walk, Aria had always dreamed of the performing arts. Being on stage gave her a profound sense of belonging.  

But when school arrived, she was the target of relentless bullying. Anxiety became a constant in her life and eventually she was forced to drop out of school entirely. She'd never felt so alone.  

Then she stumbled across an old wrestling gym. 

A story about anxiety, depression and finding your community, wherever they may be.

This episode of Not Alone was produced by Darcy Sutton and narrated by Thomas Russell. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.

You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at https://bb.org.au/scarsofbullying 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health issues cover the full spectrum of feelings. But for many, they can be defined by a distinct lack of feeling.

Growing up in a small coastal town, James' love of the water drew him to work on a ship when he finished school. From day one, James experienced bullying and abuse that left him feeling numb. In a constant state of fear. Suicidal.

On leaving the ship, the trauma followed him.

In this episode, James talks about how he rediscovered beauty when he stopped trying to outrun his trauma.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/numbness

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. It’s a mantra Priscilla wholly believes.

Living with chronic physical pain. The grief of losing a loved one. The breakdown of a marriage. When daily tasks became insurmountable and life overwhelming, Priscilla couldn’t see a way through. But in adversity, she has come to understand that while pain is inevitable, she does have control over how she handles it.

This episode is about finding purpose through pain.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/growththroughpain

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am a gay man. Five words that Maxim couldn't bring himself to say out loud. And so, for the best part of a decade, Maxim hid, refusing to accept his sexuality. But with this silence came a sense of complete disconnect – to everything and everyone around him. This is an episode about sexuality, self-acceptance and finding your voice.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/selfacceptance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For nearly three decades, Ross carried a burden that he kept to himself. By not speaking of the trauma he experienced as a child, he hoped it would become nothing more than a memory. But his anger bubbled away, sometimes beyond his control. And it was in his relationships with others he saw just how much the trauma was affecting him. This episode is about the far-reaching impact of trauma, and why it's never too late to seek help.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. Additional music for this episode sourced from purple-planet.com. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/understandingtrauma

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann was honoured as the Senior Australian of the Year. It is recognition for a lifetime of work as a teacher and role model in her Daly River (Nauiyu) community. In 1975, Miriam-Rose became the Northern Territory’s first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher and a strong advocate for integrating art into mainstream education.

Perhaps her greatest achievement however, is bringing the concept of Dadirri to the world. It speaks to the value of deep listening and quiet stillness, and has been a part of Aboriginal practice for thousands of years.

In this special episode, Miriam-Rose talks about Dadirri, healing and the importance of listening.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Lori Uden with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/dadirri

You can learn more about the Miriam-Rose foundation, and donate, via their website: www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shantelle had always wanted to be a mother. Growing up as one of 18 siblings, family held a special importance to her. But when her twins arrived, she felt no connection to them. She was terrified by thoughts of hurting them.

Approximately one in six new mums experience postnatal depression. Shantelle never thought she’d be one of them.

This is an episode about a proud Barkindji woman who found recovery by connecting with her culture on a deeper level and finding peace on the Jiu-Jitsu mat.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/postnatal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On average, nine Australians die every day by suicide. Seven are men. Behind every number, there are many stories.

Brad McEwen grew up in a small regional town in the 1980s. A time when men didn’t talk about feelings. In the space of two years, Brad lost his brother and father to suicide. He didn’t see either coming. For too long, talking about mental health has been a no-go zone between mates. It’s an attitude that Brad has long dedicated himself to changing.

This is an episode about suicide, stigma and starting conversations.

Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/shiftingmaleattitudes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to mental health, we all have our own unique stories to tell. But no matter what we are going through, there are other people experiencing it too.

Join our host, Marc Fennell, for the second season of Not Alone - where everyday Australians talk about their mental health journey to help you with yours.

Season Two launching May 18 2021.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.