Cars For Hope Story - Nissan S15 200SX

The following content may contain information about depression, anxiety, self-harm and/or other related material which may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised.


Story Submission by Darren, Age 21

I’ve always struggled a little in tense situations and didn’t handle crowds very well. In tough situations I’d run; I couldn’t handle it and I had to get out. In the end that cost me my partner who, in turn, has taken my kids. My family and friends were extremely concerned with the effect this had on me, and I had to sell my car to fight through court in order to have any hope of seeing my children.

After being sent to a psychiatrist, I was told I had PTSD, social anxiety and reactive depression. I’d lost everything: my partner, my kids, my job and my car. After a while I managed to get another job and my family and friends have helped me get back on my feet, supporting me through all of this. I was eventually able to buy a car similar to the one I had sold and am slowly getting it back to the way I had it. I get to see my children now but the time without them eats me alive.

I meet people every week dealing with the same pain I’ve gone through. We get together once a week and just hang out somewhere or drive somewhere. For that one night a week we have nothing but ourselves and the open road. We forget about everything we have to deal with and just drive. A lot of the time we don’t even have a destination.


If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm or addiction, please reach out. Call 13 11 14 for Lifeline’s 24hr Telephone Crisis Support or contact a mental health professional. If you are looking for other mental health resources, browse our Find Help page.

If a life is in danger call 000 immediately.

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4 Responses
  1. Oliver cary

    Truly inspiring this is exactly what I need in my life good work lads would be good to chill with some real peeps ??

  2. Anon

    Glad to hear things are getting better for you and you have a way to cope with the stress. Wish I had a group around here that would like to do that.

  3. Renee

    I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, and I honestly can’t thank your friends enough for the support and strength they’ve given you ?

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