Ian Taylor talks hope for at-risk truckies vulnerable to suicide on Mental Health Day 2024

Losing three truckie mates to suicide had a profound impact on Ian Taylor, who’s been in the industry for 20 years. After struggling with “the black dog” himself, he’s reminding others “you’re never alone” on Mental Health Day.

Ian 'Eno' Taylor, a Coffs Harbour based truckie for 20 years, has urged truckies to seek help when they’re feeling down.

Content advice: This article discusses suicide.

Reaching out for help was a lifeline for Coffs Harbour truck driver Ian ‘Eno’ Taylor, who has worked in the industry long enough to witness the toll it can take.

In his 20 years behind the wheel, Mr Taylor has experienced the isolation, long hours and the pressure of deadlines, which have wreaked havoc on his own life and those of fellow truckies.

On Mental Health Day, October 10, Mr Taylor spoke out to shed some light on the mental health impacts of the trucking life.

“It can be hard to adjust back into home life because you’re home for two days, and then you’re off again,” he said.

“You spend a lot of time on your own, even though you do talk to friends on the phone and the radio, it’s still quite a lonely job, and you tend to close up and it can be hard to express yourself and communicate as a regular person.”

Ian 'Eno' Taylor is dedicated to improving the industry and advocating for mental health.

Mr Taylor said the pressures of the job impacted his marriage, which eventually ended, leading him to feel suicidal.

“There I was again, back with the black dog,” he said.

He had experienced the same feeling when his father died three decades or so before.

It was his next decision – to call Lifeline – that changed his life.

After losing his mates to suicide in 2021 Ian Taylor rallied the industry to convoy in their honour.

“It was probably one of the best phone calls I ever made,” Mr Taylor said.

“I still remember their voice and it makes you remember no matter how tough things are, you’re never alone.”

Three of Mr Taylor’s Coffs Harbour truckie mates ended their lives in the last few years and it’s a message he wished they had known.

After organising a convoy fundraiser for Lifeline in honour of his friends, Mr Taylor has become a beacon of hope for those in the transport industry who are struggling.

Truck convoy participants Simon McIntyre, Mitch McGuire and Liam Silvester.

He now shares his story at industry events across NSW, with the support of not-for-profit foundation Healthy Heads Trucks and Sheds.

The foundation reports truck driving is the most common occupation for Australian men who work on average 49 hours per week.

Truckies face a disproportionately high risk of suicide when compared to other male dominated occupations.

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