After a successful technology career in the US, Bryan spent almost a decade at Atlassian as a Product Manager and General Manager. From the outside, life looked like it was unfolding exactly as planned.

After deciding to move out of tech and leave Atlassian, Bryan set off on a solo journey along the East Coast of Australia in an RV, imagining it would be the beginning of a new chapter. Instead, it became the start of the most difficult period of his life.

As long-held identities fell away, Bryan found himself facing a mental health crisis he never saw coming. It was through reaching out, accepting support, and rebuilding his sense of self that he found a way forward.

Bryan shares his story to remind others that mental health struggles don't always look the way we expect and that hope often begins with connection.

After a successful technology career in the US, Bryan spent almost a decade at Atlassian as a Product Manager and General Manager. From the outside, life looked like it was unfolding exactly as planned.
After deciding to move out of tech and leave Atlassian, Bryan set off on a solo journey along the East Coast of Australia in an RV, imagining it would be the beginning of a new chapter. Instead, it became the start of the most difficult period of his life.
As long-held identities fell away, Bryan found himself facing a mental health crisis he never saw coming. It was through reaching out, accepting support, and rebuilding his sense of self that he found a way forward.
Bryan shares his story to remind others that mental health struggles don't always look the way we expect and that hope often begins with connection.

Holding on to Hope shares powerful stories from people who have experienced their toughest moments and found a way forward.

Hosted by Lifeline Crisis Supporter Carla, each episode explores the challenges that can lead to emotional distress, the moments that helped someone hold on, and the people, tools and experiences that supported their recovery.

Honest, hopeful and deeply human, these conversations remind us that even in the hardest moments, hope is possible.

Holding on to Hope

Finding New Purpose After Leaving a Career Behind

Mark is a men's mental health speaker, husband, father of three, and someone who has spent much of his life searching for a sense of belonging.

Growing up in New Zealand, Mark struggled with feelings of shame and not being enough. Over the years he looked for answers in sport, alcohol, achievement, relationships, and anything that might fill the gap he felt inside.

At 20 years old, a drink-driving crash changed the course of his life. His friend Tao suffered life-changing injuries, and Mark was sent to prison. What followed were years marked by grief, addiction, depression, and periods where life felt increasingly difficult to carry.

Mark's life looks very different. Through recovery, fatherhood, running, and learning to understand himself in new ways, he has found a sense of purpose he never thought possible.

He joins us to share his story of accountability, resilience, and what it means to keep holding on when hope feels far away.

This episode features a guest sharing their personal lived experience. The language they use reflects their own journey and may differ from Lifeline's terminology or current best practice language around suicide. While not all views or language used in this episode reflect those of Lifeline, we believe it's important that people can tell their stories in their own words.

Mark is a men's mental health speaker, husband, father of three, and someone who has spent much of his life searching for a sense of belonging.
Growing up in New Zealand, Mark struggled with feelings of shame and not being enough. Over the years he looked for answers in sport, alcohol, achievement, relationships, and anything that might fill the gap he felt inside.
At 20 years old, a drink-driving crash changed the course of his life. His friend Tao suffered life-changing injuries, and Mark was sent to prison. What followed were years marked by grief, addiction, depression, and periods where life felt increasingly difficult to carry.
Mark's life looks very different. Through recovery, fatherhood, running, and learning to understand himself in new ways, he has found a sense of purpose he never thought possible.
He joins us to share his story of accountability, resilience, and what it means to keep holding on when hope feels far away.
This episode features a guest sharing their personal lived experience. The language they use reflects their own journey and may differ from Lifeline's terminology or current best practice language around suicide. While not all views or language used in this episode reflect those of Lifeline, we believe it's important that people can tell their stories in their own words.

Your Story Can Still Change

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night. 

From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real. 

Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there. 

Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone.

Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people. 

www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline 

On this epsideo of Holding on to Hope, Yasmin, a psychology student, former Lifeline Crisis Supporter and someone who knows firsthand what it means to reach out for help in the middle of the night. From Year 8, Yasmin was quietly dealing with anxiety and depression while trying to keep it together on the outside. For a long time, she felt alone and unsure if what she was going through was even real. Lifeline became a place she could turn to when everything felt too heavy, especially in those late-night moments when no one else was there. Today, Yasmin is studying psychology, has found genuine hope for the first time in her life and wants to share her story so that others know they don't have to face their darkest moments alone.
Contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online chat counselling service for kids, teens and young people.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline">www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/kids-helpline</a>&nbsp;

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet. 

From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story. 

Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he’s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in.

Stephen is a husband, father of three, teacher, motorcycle rider, and recently became a published author with his book Under the Helmet. From a young age, Stephen experienced bullying and carried pain that followed him well into adulthood. There were periods where life became incredibly dark, but there were also moments, sometimes small and unexpected ones, that changed the direction of his story. Stephen is sharing his experiences around mental health, masculinity, connection, and hope, and what he&rsquo;s learnt about the importance of speaking up and letting people in.

Finding New Purpose After Leaving a Career Behind

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