A FEW short years ago Ian Russell was riding high – successful career, family home, several cars and frequent holidays in lavish hotels.
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But the one thing the Tamworth man didn’t have was the knowledge he suffered from bipolar disorder.
A suicide attempt, two stints in a mental health unit and a number of court appearances later, almost everything he held dear was gone.
Now, the 51-year-old is managing his illness and, despite not having a cent to his name, says he has never been happier.
Mr Russell’s new-found stability has him ready to devote his life to helping others with mental health issues, such as bipolar, depression and anxiety.
“My purpose in life is to get out and try to tear down stigma and also help people with mental health illnesses,” he said.
“The more we can make people understand what it’s about, the more that will decrease
the lack of knowledge about depression.”
To do that, Mr Russell will establish a non-profit charity called Kicking The Black Dog to service the New England and North West region.
He intends to travel the length and breadth of the area to spread the message to people with mental illnesses that help is available.
There are also plans afoot to establish a headquarters in Tamworth housing a soup kitchen for the homeless and a cafe for patients to obtain certificates in hospitality.
“I see my role as being a conduit between the sufferer and the health professionals,” he said.
“I’ll be getting out there on the ground and telling my story, listening to theirs and guiding them towards the help that’s available.”
Anyone with mental health issues can contact Lifeline on 131 114.