With study underway and a promising new career in the pipeline, the future is looking bright for Alex. Friendly and chatty, with a distinct zest for life, it’s hard to believe Alex has been through such a tumultuous journey to reach this point.

“Just six months ago, I’d convinced myself that it was better for everyone, including myself, if I wasn’t around anymore. I had no hope; I thought I had no future. Now standing on the other side of this experience, I realise that is not true at all.”

Alex moved into the Transitional Recovery Service (TRS) house in the Gold Coast following five days on the mental health ward in Robina. Anxious about going straight home from the ward, Alex was relieved to have TRS as an option.

“For years prior to my hospital admission, I was depressed and isolating myself at home. I slowly deteriorated, cut off all relationships and rarely left the house. I was stuck in a loop that I couldn’t get out of and I stopped looking after myself.”

“I was able to use my time in the TRS house to rebuild the foundations of my life and help re-establish a positive routine. At the house, I would get up in the morning, have a shower, brush my teeth, go for a walk, cook, do my washing – all things I wasn’t doing at home. I was also participating in groups, socialising and making connections.”

“I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the overwhelmingly positive experience I had with RFQ. I gained so much from my interactions with everyone from the office staff to the support workers – with a special shout-out to Mervin.”

Since finishing his time at TRS and its follow-up program Capstone, Alex has commenced a diploma of community services. Looking to start a career in mental health peer work, Alex feels that he has the drive and determination he needs to achieve his goals.

“I feel like everything’s not so foggy now, like I have direction again. For so long I couldn’t even see through to the end of the day or the next day, let alone what I was going to be doing in 6 months’ time.”

“Trying to turn my negative experiences into a positive is a big motivator for me. To go from not even wanting to help myself to now wanting to help others – it’s been a big pivot. If I can help just one person who is going through what I went through, it will all be worth it.”