Philip's Story

Asking for help after being continuously bullied by a neighbour, started Philip on the road to recovery by addressing the anxiety that had been building up since childhood. 

My layered experience created the foundations of anxiety

For me growing up as a kid being disabled and then in my late teens coming out as being gay left me kind of feeling like I didn’t fit. Then one of my neighbours began being aggressive and abusive to me.


All sorts of things affect your mental health

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It was just a feeling of despair, hopelessness, helplessness, real fear

It was very scary. It impacted me at a soul level. I couldn’t believe that people would target someone like me who is obviously physically vulnerable.


Depression or anxiety is different for everyone

LEARN ALL THE SIGNS

I see the anxiety that I felt as something that was outside of me

I contacted a therapist that I’ve worked with. She allowed me to protect myself, to visualise a field around me of protection. It was the ability to articulate what I was feeling during those two years; that was one of the things that kept me on the planet.


There are things that can help you get through

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What I have learnt about my anxiety was that it was real

It was a real response to a real situation. I think it’s important to ask for help, ask anyone for help and keep asking because you might not get it the first time.


There are changes you can make to stay well

LEARN HOW

What I have been through has made me more courageous

Other people's stories

I got into Waka Ama

I plan my day

I set my own expectations

Karakia gave me peace