Warning: This episode discusses anxiety and suicide.
Isaac was in so much distress he was convinced he was having a heart attack. But like many others, he discovered it was actually a panic attack and he was experiencing anxiety.
Minka’s anxiety started at age seven and ever since, she’s struggled to get to school.
Nelani’s was triggered when she was bullied over her accent.
While for Portia, racism has been a big contributor to the panic attacks that have affected her life.
Anxiety is the most common mental illness, and yet it often goes untreated and can balloon into something that can cause a person to avoid situations.
But solutions are at hand. In this episode, you’ll hear from four young people - Isaac, Nelani, Portia and Minka - who share their story and offer hope for others living with anxiety.
If you are suffering, support is available. Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. Crisis support is available 24/7 at Lifeline, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114.
You can also contact Headspace for support at headspace.org.au or on 1800 650 890, as well as Kids Helpline at kidshelpline.com.au or on 1800 55 1800.
Get in touch! If you have a question about mental health you'd like answered, leave us a voicemail on +61 2 9906 9915 or email us at enoughpodcast@theage.com.au or enoughpodcast@smh.com.au
Enough is brought to you by the The Age & Sydney Morning Herald.
If you enjoyed this series, leave a review and recommend us to a friend. To read more, and to watch the videos referenced in this episode, head to our websites.
Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Click on the links to subscribe to The Age or The Sydney Morning Herald.
Reporters: Jewel Topsfield and Sophie Aubrey
Producer: Margaret Gordon
Sound mix: Kyle Hopkins
Production assistance: Julia Carr-Catzel, Tammy Mills
Head of premium content: Chris Paine
Head of audio: Tom McKendrick
Executive producer of audio: Nathanael Cooper
Support our journalism: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.