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

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

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