Why I started Mullets for Mental Health. Reader beware: I’ve gone half open kimono below

I may have mentioned my story to some, others may come as a surprise. I’m not announcing this as a victim, but a survivor. We all go through hectic events and I hope my openness will help save someone, as someone helped save me.

I joined the cause of Mullets for Mental Health back in 2020. Post being violently assaulted, KtfO, diagnosed with PTSD, going through a failed court system, battling demons… then finally smashed with the harsh Melbourne COVID lockdowns.  

Stuck in an apartment going stir crazy ‘Groundhog Day’, I stumbled across Mullets as a good way to give back to the Black Dog cause which has been in my shadows since I was a young pup.

Never having grown a mullet because I’ve been Sales/Corporate Bro half my life, this was the perfect opportunity to let that bogan flag fly baby. Thank you to all my clients and partners who met me the first time during my mullet phase and weren’t scared off 😉. Much respect 🤜🤛

Having helped raise to a cause close to my heart over the past few years I took a break, shaved off the mullet thinking it would cure the curse, however it was similar to Samson losing his locks. Around the same time burnout w/ no work/life balance lead me down a dark road, being too self critical and neglecting important parts of my life. 

I’m vocal about this because there’s nothing wrong with a dude not being okay. There’s a stigma for blokes to not show their feelings, suck it up and be a man. It doesn’t have to be that way though. We all go through our ups and downs, smiles and cries and don’t know what’s going on behind someone’s eyes. 

Please don’t look at this as being a victim and pity. I’m a survivor, learnt so much through the toil and become a better person by opening up to friends, family and seeking the help of professionals. We don’t need to battle this alone.

And whilst mullets are associated with blokes, let’s not forget our queens. Research indicates that roughly 1 in 6 women and 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lifetime. Imagine if we had a way to tune into our depression when we were younger to help our older self.

I'm regrowing my mullet this April for Black Dog Institute's ‘Mullets for Mental Health’ to fund mental health research and put digital services/education into the hands of those that need it the most.

Over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25. 

It would mean a lot to me if you donated to support my mullet. Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.