GUS WORLAND: 'I thought my mate had everything going for him. Then I got the phone call no one wants.'

This post includes discussion of suicide that may be distressing to some readers.

I still remember the phone call like it was yesterday. It was one of those calls you never want to have. My friend, my mentor, my father figure, had taken his own life.

I knew him from a young age, and he had always been there for me — he taught me how to swim, he gave me dating advice and later supported me in my early career. He was my go-to guy and always gave me the answers I needed. And as I got older, I realised he was that guy for so many people — the one everyone turned to for support. So, why would someone like that take his own life?

After the funeral, everyone was so confused and kept asking each other: "Did you know?" "Did anyone know?" "Did you get a clue?" But the answer was always the same: "I thought he was OK."

He had everything on the outside, but his inner struggles were invisible, and he never reached out for help. That understanding hit hard and made me realise how stigma stops so many from speaking up when they're struggling.

Watch: Bethany Clarke on coping with grief. Post continues after video.

Months later, I realised I had to be vulnerable to help me work through my grief but also address the stigma I felt too deeply of "toughing it out and dealing with it."

So, I decided to share my story on a breakfast radio show I'd been on for six years. Usually, we talked about sports and shared jokes, but that day I opened up about my grief. It was hard. My voice broke as I fumbled through my story. But then the phones started flashing — people wanted to share their stories too and, in that moment, I felt something powerful: giving people the space to talk can change everything.

Grief isn't neat. It doesn't follow a schedule. It gets stuck in your body, your sleep, your thoughts, your ability to concentrate. Sometimes it feels like it will never leave. For a long time, I carried it alone, thinking I had to be strong, thinking I would burden everyone if I shared what I truly felt. But silence doesn't help. Bottling it up isolates you and makes grief a prison.

That became the reason for building Gotcha4Life. I wanted to help create a world where everyone has a mate they can rely on, someone they can open up to without fear. A place where asking for help is normal, where honest conversations about life's challenges are part of everyday life. We're working to change how we approach mental health — shifting the focus to mental fitness. It's all about inspiring all of us to take daily action, to do things differently and to stop losing beautiful humans to suicide. 

Because suicide can be prevented — and the more we talk, the more lives we can change. I won't stop until we achieve one goal — zero suicides.

I wish I could tell every person struggling that it's okay to reach out, that it's okay to say you're not fine. No one should carry grief, fear or pressure alone. We can't control everything that happens, but we can control our daily habits that strengthen our mental fitness. We can make seeking help a normal part of life and create a village where people feel seen and supported.

Talking about mental health, grief or just when things aren't going well isn't easy. I get it. But every time I share my story, I'm reminded that the people who need to hear it most are listening. And every time someone reaches out to a friend, a parent, a teacher or even a stranger, that's hope in action. That's the difference between walking through struggles alone and walking through them with others who care.

Mental Health Month is a reminder for all of us: connection saves lives. If you're carrying a heavy burden, speak up. If you see someone struggling, reach out. And if you can, get involved in spaces that make these conversations easier, because no one should ever have to face life's challenges alone.

And here's one very easy mental fitness exercise to get you started today: think of someone in your life who means the world to you. Now, grab your phone and send them a message that says, "I love you, I miss you, see you soon xoxo." You will be surprised at the response you get. It's a small thing, but it's powerful. A simple message can remind someone that they matter, that they're seen, that they're not alone.

Worland with hosts of Nine's Today. Image: Supplied.

You can start your own mental fitness journey today and download the Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym App. It's packed with hundreds of exercises and tools, all designed to help you work out your emotional muscles. Plus, it's free, and always will be. Start your mental fitness journey today and let's build a mentally fit future, together.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

Feature image: Instagram @gusworland.