I am a gay man. Five words that Maxim couldn't bring himself to say out loud. And so, for the best part of a decade, Maxim hid, refusing to accept his sexuality. But with this silence came a sense of complete disconnect – to everything and everyone around him. This is an episode about sexuality, self-acceptance and finding your voice.




Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by Marc Fennell, produced by Sam Loy and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist Harrison Storm. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/selfacceptance

I am a gay man. Five words that Maxim couldn't bring himself to say out loud. And so, for the best part of a decade, Maxim hid, refusing to accept his sexuality. But with this silence came a sense of complete disconnect – to everything and everyone around him. This is an episode about sexuality, self-acceptance and finding your voice. Not Alone is a Beyond Blue podcast hosted by <a href="http://www.marcfennell.com/">Marc Fennell,</a> produced by <a href="https://www.audiocraft.com.au/sam-loy">Sam Loy</a> and executive produced by Darcy Sutton and Sarah Alexander. It was recorded by Ryan D’Sylva with mixing and sound design by Que Nguyen. Our theme song is Sense of Home by Australian artist <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ld19xtpAR80G2boTcHaVx">Harrison Storm</a>. You can access resources related to this episode, including support service information on the <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/not-alone/sexuality-and-self-acceptance/">Beyond Blue episode page: bb.org.au/selfacceptance</a>

When it comes to mental health, we all have our own unique stories to tell. But no matter what we are going through, there are other people experiencing it too. From Beyond Blue, this is Not Alone. A podcast where everyday Australians talk about their mental health journey to help you with yours.

When it comes to mental health, we all have our own unique stories to tell. But no matter what we are going through, there are other people experiencing it too. From Beyond Blue, this is Not Alone. A podcast where everyday Australians talk about their mental health journey to help you with yours.

Not Alone

LGBTIQ+ Personal Stories

Sexuality and self-acceptance: I’m tired of hiding the real me

Milli had always wanted to live and work overseas. But when she finally made it over to London, she found herself unemployed and homesick. Struggling with the pressure to get a job and ‘live the dream’ she started experiencing panic attacks. 

She had no idea what was happening. She thought she was having a medical emergency. It wasn’t until she found a website about anxiety that things started to click into place. 

With the right support, time and patience, Milli was soon able to enjoy her time in London. When she moved to Melbourne, she was worried about it happening again. This time round however, she knew what she needed to do to look after herself and stay well. 

Hear Milli talk about what her panic attacks felt like and the steps she took to manage them. 

This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Thomas Milana. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.  

You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/panic-attacks 

Milli had always wanted to live and work overseas. But when she finally made it over to London, she found herself unemployed and homesick. Struggling with the pressure to get a job and ‘live the dream’ she started experiencing panic attacks. 
She had no idea what was happening. She thought she was having a medical emergency. It wasn’t until she found a website about anxiety that things started to click into place. 
With the right support, time and patience, Milli was soon able to enjoy her time in London. When she moved to Melbourne, she was worried about it happening again. This time round however, she knew what she needed to do to look after herself and stay well. 
Hear Milli talk about what her panic attacks felt like and the steps she took to manage them. 
This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Thomas Milana. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vi9khHSAwMRQx1R65dIFR">Alice Skye</a>, and produced by CAAMA music.  
You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/panic-attacks

Panic attacks: I felt like I wasn’t real

Daniel went a year without saying a word. He's lived with a stutter his entire life, but at high school relentless bullying pushed him to a point of exhaustion. It became easier to stay quiet. And he questioned the point of going on. This is a story about finding your voice. 

Show Notes:

This episode of Not Alone was produced by Nick Budicin and narrated by Thomas Russell. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music. 

You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/my-stutter

Daniel went a year without saying a word. He's lived with a stutter his entire life, but at high school relentless bullying pushed him to a point of exhaustion. It became easier to stay quiet. And he questioned the point of going on. This is a story about finding your voice. 
Show Notes: 
This episode of Not Alone was produced by Nick Budicin and narrated by Thomas Russell. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vi9khHSAwMRQx1R65dIFR">Alice Skye</a>, and produced by CAAMA music. 
You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at <a href="https://bb.org.au/my-stutter">bb.org.au/my-stutter</a>

Braving my bullies: My stutter won't stop me from talking

As a kid, Nicole was loud, bubbly and dancing. It was her dream to be a professional dancer. And one she worked towards every day. 

When she was a teenager, Nicole went through a traumatic experience and dancing became her way to cope. To express herself. To help her manage these emotions she was struggling to control. 

After suffering an injury, Nicole struggled to deal with the impact of losing her dream and greatest outlet. Seeing a GP and sharing what she was going through with her friends and family made all the difference. 

Hear Nicole talk about how letting go – and letting people in – can help us heal. 



This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by Alice Skye, and produced by CAAMA music.  

You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at bb.org.au/healing-from-trauma

As a kid, Nicole was loud, bubbly and dancing. It was her dream to be a professional dancer. And one she worked towards every day. 
When she was a teenager, Nicole went through a traumatic experience and dancing became her way to cope. To express herself. To help her manage these emotions she was struggling to control. 
After suffering an injury, Nicole struggled to deal with the impact of losing her dream and greatest outlet. Seeing a GP and sharing what she was going through with her friends and family made all the difference. 
Hear Nicole talk about how letting go – and letting people in – can help us heal. 
 
This episode of Not Alone was produced by Audrey Hughes and narrated by Margot Moore. Sound design by Jan Wong. Our theme song is Friends with Feelings, written and performed by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vi9khHSAwMRQx1R65dIFR">Alice Skye</a>, and produced by CAAMA music.  
You can access resources related to this episode, including support information at <a href="https://bb.org.au/healing-from-trauma">bb.org.au/healing-from-trauma</a>

Sexuality and self-acceptance: I’m tired of hiding the real me

LGBTIQ+ Personal Stories

In 1 playlist(s)

Not Alone

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips