Turning his life around for the better

Joel Kuru is stepping outside his comfort zone to share his story about depression.

The Taupo man hit rock bottom last month. Basically, he just decided to ‘‘tap out’’.

He says he has now ‘‘woken up to himself’’ and decided it was time to help himself, so he can help others going through the same thing.

‘‘Honestly, it’s so hard to talk about but I want to let people know there’s always someone listening, who will give up their time if they knew,’’ he said. ‘‘They will be there for you.’’ Just over two years ago, Kuru was diagnosed with depression.

He didn’t share that diagnosis with many people as it wasn’t something they really talked about.

‘‘We were taught to suck it up or harden up and If you speak up on something like that you’re classed as weak, soft,’’ he said.

Going public with his depression serves three main purposes for Kuru; to be accountable for what he’s chosen to pursue, ask for help, and to show people it doesn’t matter what you see on the outside.

He also wants to give other males, the courage to speak up if they are battling depression.

In an effort to improve his life and to help others struggling with dark thoughts, Kuru has set a challenge for himself – jetting off to Thailand to take part in a Muay Thai training camp. He will be there for at least six months.

‘‘I’m going to try and do something good for myself, to challenge myself and throw myself out of my comfort zone,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve never been [to Thailand] before but I’ve always had an interest in that sort of training.

‘‘I want to prove to myself that, after I’ve done it, nothing can really stand in my way.’’

Struggling with low self-esteem and weight has given Kuru the motivation to make all aspects of his life healthy.

‘‘The whole challenge is to come back a new man,’’ he said.

And he hopes to be an ear for others.

‘‘If anyone wants to talk about similar issues, I would be more than happy to listen,’’ he said.

‘‘I want to be an inspiration to people who are suffering from depression. To be an inspiration to people who struggle with weight.’’

*Anyone wanting to help Kuru get to Thailand can donate at his Give A Little page.