Gavin Thompson works as a Financial Adviser in a private practice, having completed a Bachelor of Economics in the late 90’s.
Gavin is a volunteer speaker for Beyond Blue, a national organisation that works to raise awareness about anxiety and depression, reduce the associated stigma and encourage people to get help.
He became a Beyond Blue speaker to share his lived experience of mental health conditions to encourage anybody who may be ‘suffering in silence’ to seek support, and to raise awareness as to the numerous avenues a person can take to be able to manage their mental health.
Gavin’s interests include cricket and AFL at both a junior and senior level as well as fishing, surfing and hanging out with his two sons. As a longstanding and devoted Western Bulldogs supporter, the 2016 premiership win remains one of his greatest sporting highlights.
This session will involve discussion of a personal story and experiences with a mental condition and may touch on the theme of suicidality. For some of you, it may be difficult hear this story, especially if you have experienced a mental health condition yourself, or supported a friend or family member. The talk is completely optional and if you’re worried that the content may be triggering or upsetting you don’t have to stay and you may also leave at any time during the presentation.
If you would like to stay for Gavin’s talk, we encourage you to check in with yourself and your workmates afterwards. If you are feeling impacted, please reach out to our EAP, the Beyond Blue support service, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support. We will also have a more detailed list of contacts at the end of the session.