Wilson opens up about mental illness to protect teenagers from suffering in silence

We have been able to support the community through the delivery of our school and community mental health awareness and education sessions. The $10,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant contributed directly to the costs of delivering our face-to-face education as well as helping with the costs of promoting what we do in order to increase the reach of our programs and help as many people as possible.

Wilson Giles is doing all he can to protect teenagers from going through the anguish he experienced when he was younger.

Only a few years out of high school, he regularly tells teenagers about his lived experience with mental illness.

He does this as a volunteer for the Black Dog Institute, visiting several high schools a year where he presents an approved program to students in Year 10 and above.

“A lot of kids will be struggling and might not realise that what they are feeling isn’t the norm and it is worth talking about,” he says.

“Once they see me speak about it, it makes it real for them and often they can speak about it.”

If he has one message, it is this: “It is okay to not be okay. There are people who can help you. If you have a problem, it’s best to acknowledge it and ask for help.”

Wilson tells the students that his own lack of acceptance delayed his treatment for bipolar disorder.

“I didn’t want to believe I had anything wrong with me. I was very good at school and was doing well with my grades. Then, all of a sudden, I was struggling to pay attention, I was anxious about going to class.”

He says his parents were onto it quickly and encouraged him to speak to someone, but he wouldn’t. “The hardest part was for me to acknowledge what was going on.”

Since then he has received the correct treatment and says he is living a happy and healthy life.

Wilson was named Youth Citizen of the Year by Parramatta council, due to his tireless effort and work as a volunteer, not only for the institute but a variety of community groups.

He says it feels surreal to be voted a Westfield Local Hero. “It is very humbling. The presentations are extremely cathartic. I get this amazing opportunity to do something I love, which is public speaking and I get to open up about my struggle. The more I talk the easier it gets. It helps me greatly.”

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.

If you or anyone you know would like more information on what support is available:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
MensLine: 1300 78 99 78
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636