Reno is the founder and creative director of Dinosaur Club. In his candid conversation, Reno shares his deeply personal journey with mental health, driven by the loss of close friends to suicide and his own decade-long struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder. Despite having a supportive upbringing, Reno began experiencing severe mental health challenges in his late teens, leading to multiple suicide attempts. He opens up about the difficulty of living with these thoughts, the role of substance abuse in his journey, and the relentless battle against the "demons" that wear down the mind. Reno's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of speaking up, especially for men facing mental health challenges. Reno is a huge advocate for telling your friends you love them, as the power of these three words can save someone's life. \ Need Support? Findahelpline.com
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7:58
Whitney-Lee - Six Stories of Hope
Whitney-Lee is a resilient wahine Māori who has channeled her challenging past into a powerful platform for advocacy and healing. Growing up amidst severe trauma, including abuse and instability, Whitney-Lee faced significant hardships in her early years. Whitney-Lee's journey is marked by her determination to overcome adversity, and connecting to her whakapapa and rongoā Māori. Her experiences embracing holistic healing practices have given her a way of healing that best resonates with her. Whitney-Lee now dedicates her life to helping others, particularly Māori, by integrating traditional Māori healing practices into her work in mental health. Need Support: Findahelpline.com
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Paora - Six Stories of Hope
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, Paora quickly became the emotional support for both his younger and older siblings, while also navigating bullying and racism at school. The weight of these responsibilities and experiences left Paora feeling isolated, hopeless, and disconnected from a sense of belonging. For years, he coped by running from his pain, turning to substances to numb his emotions. But in his early 20s, everything caught up with him. Faced with a breaking point at work, Paora knew it was time to address the trauma that had been following him for so long. On October 9, 2023, Paora made a life-changing decision to seek help and prioritise his mental health. Through therapy, journaling, and a commitment to self-love, he has been able to heal and rediscover his inner strength. Now, Paora shares his journey to inspire others, encouraging young people who may be in similar situations to keep pushing forward, surround themselves with positive influences, and believe in their own potential. Need Support? Findahelpline.com
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Mekaylar - Six Stories of Hope
Mekaylar's story reflects the complexities of growing up as a first-generation New Zealander and facing cultural and family expectations. From a young age, she faced relentless bullying at school—physically, verbally, and psychologically—simply for being different. As a child navigating a strict household, Mekaylar struggled with the pressure to be perfect in everyone’s eyes, balancing the dual roles of a tough, ideal daughter and a stand-in caretaker for her siblings. Her early life was shaped by these demands, leaving little room to express her struggles. Mekaylar faced significant trauma, including sexual abuse, PTSD and chronic illness, and eventually sought help through counselling. This pivotal moment allowed her to understand and process her emotions, and create a safe space to talk openly about mental health. Mekaylar speaks out about the importance of treating your mental illness like a friend rather than a disease, and maintaining faith that you will find people who uplift and support you. She is a strong advocate for Pasifika communities and for challenging outdated ideologies that often prevent open dialogue around mental health. Need Support? Findahelpline.com
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Brielle - Six Stories of Hope
Brielle is a counselor who has transformed her personal journey with mental health into a powerful means of supporting others. Drawing from her own experiences with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), she has become a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges. Despite enduring bullying, emotional dysregulation, and a lengthy road to diagnosis, Brielle's resilience has been a driving force in her life. Diagnosed with BPD at the age of 30 while living in England, she gained a deeper understanding of herself, which helped strengthen her relationships, especially with her family. Today, Brielle is committed to shedding light on the realities of living with BPD, serving as a voice of hope and empowerment for others. Her passion lies in ensuring that people understand a fulfilling, joyful life is entirely possible with BPD. Need Support? Findahelpline.com
It's not weak to speak. Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora spends a moment with Kiwis who have experienced mental health challenges, digging deeper into their own lived experience, whilst highlighting the tools and lessons they've learned along the way.
This podcast has been created to empower, inspire and remind you that you are not alone in your fight.
Find out more at https://www.thevoicesofhope.org/
New Zealand