Pat Lawson reflects on mental health journey as Wagga’s suicide rates revealed

From nearly ending his life in 2015 to advocating and educating thousands of people about mental health in 2020, a Wagga man has revealed all as figures reveal Wagga’s suicide rate.

Wagga local Pat Lawson, 36, vividly remembers the day he tried to take his own life.

It was in the February 2015 and his “life was perfect”, he had two young children and a wife that loved him.

But the pressures of life had become too much, and Pat felt as through he couldn’t continue.

After writing a note to his wife telling her he was sorry, Pat stopped himself, and sought help for the way he was feeling. A month later he was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and a form of a anger management disorder.

Fast forward five months, while still battling his life changing diagnosis, Pat incredibly managed to found 3 Words – a company with a mission aimed at helping, advocating, educating and mentoring people about mental illness.

“The three words ‘I need help’ are the hardest many people will ever say,” Pat said.

“But my goal and sole purpose of 3 Words is to change this and help people who are struggling with mental health to say those words.

“Because mental illness is invisible without those words it can go unnoticed and this has been the case for unfortunately so many people,” he said.

But Pat could be considered one of the lucky ones, now able to continue his mental health journey, unlike the 80 people in the Wagga region who ended their life between 2015 and 2019.

New figures also reveal 36 people ended their life in the Griffith area between 2015 and 2019 and another 14 locals living in the Tumut and Tumbarumba area suicided during the same period.

Pat Lawson opened 3 Words just months after his suicide attempt. Picture: Pat Lawson

Pat said it was incredibly upsetting to hear those numbers.

“Every suicide is one too many,” Pat said.

“When I hear that I think is the awareness I’m building and the awareness hundreds of other people advocate day in day out helping?,” he said.

“Mental health is a lot more mainstream and talked about then it was 20 years ago.”

“Its much more accepted in society and there are a lot more services then there was a few decades ago.

“It‘s incredibly hard to answer why people continue to choose to end their life.

“But what I do know is that everyone is different and everyone has different circumstances.

“So that‘s the reason why every person needs to be educated about mental health and has to be equipped with the tools to help themselves or other people who are suffering,” he said.

Having worked in the mental health industry within the Riverina, Pat said the services are good but “like everything, could be better”.

“The capacity of services needs to improve,” Pat said.

“I saw a number of people who were turned away because there wasn't enough room.

“I know some mental illnesses are more severe then others but that doesn't mean the person isn’t suffering just as much,” he said.

Pat Lawson with his wife and two children. Picture: Pat Lawson

Pat who works in the car industry day to day, is committed to dedicating his spare time helping save lives by sharing his story and speaking to groups, mentoring individuals and educating everyone who will listen about mental health.

“I still think about suicide more than the average person but it‘s a thought not a plan,” Pat said.

“It‘s a slap in the face and a reminder of what could have been everyday when I see my gorgeous children smile.

“And its my mission to educate and remind people that it ain’t weak to speak and if in doubt reach out.

“They are the two sayings I live by,” Pat said.

If this article has raised any concerns for you or someone you know contact lifeline on 13 11 14.