Growing with support

Twelve months ago, George* was a completely different person.

Back then, he was in a bleak frame of mind, contemplating suicide.

Now, a year later, he’s in a much more positive space and without the help of local support organisation Grow, he reckons he may not have been around to see this day.

He’s also urging anyone who might be struggling with any issues or concerns to get involved with the group.

‘‘If Grow can help one person, then we’ve achieved our goal,’’ George said.

‘‘I had a breakdown of a 20-year marriage and I became suicidal to the point where I was hoping to do it, until a friend stopped me.

‘‘I was diagnosed with depression by my doctor and sent to visit a counsellor.

‘‘In the meantime, I was looking for a group I knew would be able to help — I didn’t want just medication, I wanted a group environment.’’

About that time, Grow had just started up in the region and George had seen an article about it and its aims, and decided to give it a go and headed along to a meeting.

There, he found a safe space where he could share his story, among people facing similar situations and issues.

‘‘I bawled my eyes out, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried,’’ he said.

‘‘When I went there, there was no stigma attached, you weren’t treated any differently, you were treated as a person.

‘‘We were all on the same level, we’ve all got issues.

‘‘I’ve got some good friends through the group, and if something happens to someone in the group, they rally around that person, we’re really supportive and respectful of each other.

‘‘Through this group, even now, my family have noticed I’m a lot better.

‘‘They’ve seen a change in my attitude to life.’’

George said he had four sessions booked in with his counsellor, who immediately noticed a difference following George’s involvement with Grow.

‘‘They said ‘stick with Grow and don’t come back here — you don’t need me’,’’ George said.

He urged people who might be struggling — with issues including anxiety, depression, mental illness, loss of work, loss of income, family issues, stress — to give the group a try.

‘‘Any person with issues in their life, whether it be yourself or a friend or family member, Grow can help.

‘‘It’s completely confidential, and that was great for me because I knew I could speak my mind and know it wouldn’t leave the room.

‘‘The friendships you get out of it are fantastic, with likeminded people.’’

Now, George has taken on a leadership role within the group, his life is back on track and he’s flourishing.

‘‘Today, I’m a lot clearer in my thoughts, a lot more logical and caring towards people, I’m confident and willing to help people and listen to their problems and see what I can do to help,’’ he said. *George is not his real name.

If you or someone you know needs help or advice, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

Grow meets every Thursday at 7 pm at Moira Education Centre, O’Dwyer Ave, Cobram. All welcome. For more information phone Lindy on 0448 052 769 or John on 0428 745 282, or visit www.grow.net.au