Writing Doesn't Have To Be On The Wall

On March 27, 2005, Nathan Tomlin made a plan to take his own life. He’d experienced bouts of depression over many years and was reeling from the recent death of his mother. He wrote a suicide note to his family and made of playlist of music to see him through to the end.

As Nathan was listening to the final track, he received an unprompted message from one of his closest friends, telling him she loved him and missed him. The message was the catalyst for him changing his mind and thankfully, the note was never read.

This past Movember, however, the note was read by many – in an activation that saw Nathan’s words created into a piece of graffiti art in Hosier Lane.

Nathan Tomlin says:  "I’ve shared my note because I want to help in any way possible. This artwork is real life, from my own hand. Looking at it now, I still remember how I felt on that night and no-one should go through that.

"Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44 and six Australian men take their own life each day. These statistics are alarming and we need to bring them to the forefront of people’s minds.

“The male, macho stereotype is horribly wrong. The strongest men are those who ask for and seek help, who continue on, and who help others. All it took for me on that night was a simple message to save me and to keep me going on. I’m proof that a conversation can save someone's life."

Craig Martin, Movember Global Director Mental Health and Suicide Prevention says: "Suicide is a huge and complex challenge, but these deaths are preventable and we must act to reduce the terrible toll it takes on friends, family and society at large.

“Nathan’s story and this artwork are powerful reminders of why it is so important for people to reach out to the men in their lives, start conversations, ask the deeper questions and listen to what they have to say.  Let them know you’re there for them. These simple actions can go a long way.”

If you or a person you know is need of support, please contact Lifeline. Call 13 11 14 at any time or connect through webchat at lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight, 7 days)