Michael Sullivan's says GROW Australia meetings and his GROW guidebook have helped him cope better with his recent job loss.
When Michael O'Sullivan lost his job at the Deniliquin Rice Mill during the 2019 downturn, the impact on his mental health was devastating.
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Already managing long-term mental health challenges and dealing with difficult family circumstances, the loss sent him into a downward spiral that ultimately led him to voluntarily admit himself to the Wagga Wagga Mental Health Recovery Unit.
Seven years later, history has repeated itself.
Mr O'Sullivan is among 68 workers made redundant following the latest reductions at the Deniliquin Rice Mill, driven in part by water policy impacts on local rice production.
But while the circumstances may feel familiar, he says the outcome has been very different.
This time, he has support.
For the past two years, Mr O'Sullivan has been attending GROW Australia meetings in Deniliquin - a peer support program focused on mental wellbeing, personal growth and recovery.
The group, he says, has become his lifeline.
Mr O'Sullivan, who has lived with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for much of his life, said losing his job again brought some of his darkest thoughts back to the surface.
“I was made redundant. Same deal. Exactly the same,” he said.
“I didn't want to go, but they made me redundant.
“It gave me thoughts of suicide because I felt like I was no longer any good.
“But GROW has been my safety net, it has saved me.”
Mr O’Sullivan carries his GROW Australia guidebook with him everywhere, and refers to its advice and affirmations as often as needed.
Michael O'Sullivan (back, second from right) with his close and extended family at a recent family reunion.
One that resonates with him most is: “May the spirit of friendship make us free and whole people, and gentle builders of a free and whole community”.
And that’s what Mr Sullivan says he receives as a participant of GROW Deniliquin.
"I rang up Sydney and I said, 'Well, look, I'm in a little town called Deniliquin in NSW. You wouldn't have a Grow group?'
"She said, 'Hang on, I'll just go on the computer.' She said, 'Okay, your contact person is Vicky. This is her number.'
"I rang the number, and she said, 'We meet at the United Church Hall'. Bang! That was the start of it."
Since then, Mr O'Sullivan has become a regular attendee, working through the group's recovery program and drawing strength from the connections he has built.
Now, with more free time on his hands and the support of fellow GROW group members behind him, Mr Sullivan is tackling long-neglected projects around home, reconnecting with family where he can and focusing on staying well until he can get back to work.
Mr O'Sullivan says he still has challenges, but he is in a far better place than he was seven years ago.
Importantly, he wants others in Deniliquin to know they do not have to face similar struggles alone.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the program and Deniliquin meetings can contact GROW Australia on 1800 558 268, or attend a meeting with the Deniliquin group on Thursday’s between 4.30 and 6.30pm at the Uniting Church Hall on the corner of Edwardes St and Poiciters St.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. You can also contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Resources and pathways to help are available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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