Sport
21 January, 2022
Cairns’ rider for mental health awareness
Melbourne resident Adam Griffiths arrived in Cairns a year ago to begin a journey to raise awareness on mental health after tragically losing his brother to suicide.
Mr Griffiths, who has struggled with mental health issues and drug addiction, decided his testimony was a good way to bond with the community.
“After losing my brother, I needed to get out of Melbourne, and I came to Queensland,” Mr Griffiths said. Four months ago, he got on his bike and started a tour that intends to go around Australia called ‘4 Our Loved 1s’ to reach out to people and/or their loved ones who are struggling with mental health and suicide.
So far, Mr Griffiths has travelled over 2,000 km on his bike between Cairns, Daintree, Cooktown, and most of the Tablelands.
Mr Griffiths began documenting his journey through social media, sharing his personal experience with mental health and listening to people’s struggles. He is a recognizable figure in towns throughout Far North Queensland with his staple t-shirts that read, ‘Rider against suicide,’ his bike and his willingness to listen.
To date, he has spoken to hundreds of people about the importance of speaking up and approaching someone when life gets too heavy.
“I want people to feel like they can approach someone and talk,” Mr Griffiths said.
“I lost my baby brother to suicide, and I have also struggled with mental health, neglect, abuse. But I’m a true survivor, so I feel like sharing my story can help others feel like they’re not alone.
“People approach me and ask me questions; my social media and the shirts are good conversation starters; I share my experience, they show me their scars and tell me their story.
“When I talk to people, the topic that comes up the most is COVID-19. Communities are feeling very isolated, and I believe at this time people need people,” he said.
Mr Griffiths said that this experience is as rewarding for him as it may be for others. He aims to one day take the conversation about suicide, drug addiction and abuse into the education sector.
“That is my goal; I want to be a motivational speaker at schools,” he said.
“It’s important for kids to learn the signs of abuse and addiction and what to do when they notice them. So we need to take this conversation to the education sector.”
Next week, Mr Griffiths is preparing to leave Cairns and head to Gladstone to continue his quest. He said he still has a long way to go and many more people to reach but wanted to leave a message for the Cairns community.
“You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to speak up,” he said.
“We all matter, and your life is very significant.”
SUPPORT SERVICES
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health:
• Queensland Governments mental health access line, is confidential and available 24/7 at 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255)
• Lifeline 24/7 crisis support at 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/home
• For young people between the ages of 12-25 visit Headspace at https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/cairns/
