The following content may contain information about mental health and/or other related material which may be triggering. Reader discretion is advised.
Story Submission by Darcy, Age 24
For as long as I have known, something was a little different. All throughout school I was the loner; the guy in the background. Always hating being the centre of attention; hating talking in front of people; hating pretty much any social interaction.
As high school came, I started making friends – just a select handful. But one day I came home and I heard some terrible news: my grandmother wasn’t going to make it through the night. The second thing that came to mind was that I had my HSC in less than two weeks. The feeling was overwhelming. If I didn’t pull myself together I would fail and would probably have to repeat.
I passed, and that got me thinking: I didn’t know where my life was headed.
And that’s when it slapped me in the face. CARS OF COURSE!!! I would go out and become an apprentice mechanic. I tried everywhere but nothing. But the night before my next two years of school started, I received a call saying that I would start tomorrow.
Nearly 7 years later, after a brand new car, a lot of debt and being diagnosed with depression, the dealership had shut down.
I was low.
Lower than ever before.
I was slowly giving up. I had no job, days turned into nights, and nights turned into days.
I thought, “No, just no. I’ve got to get out and do something.”
With a beautiful girlfriend of 17 months, my debt under control, two project cars going well, moving to the coast, having a job, and most importantly having a bunch of car enthusiast friends, things have never been better.
Finding Cars For Hope was like a dream come true: people like me with the same interest.
If I ever see a Cars For Hope sticker on your car, be prepared to make a friend!
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.
