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Listen to Tom's story

Tom's inspirational story about walking away from his successful footballer career and managing his mental health on a daily basis.

About the episode

Tom Boyd was living the dream - drafted as the AFL’s number one pick, signing a multi-million-dollar contract, and winning a premiership at just 21 years old. But beneath the surface, Tom was struggling with sleeplessnessanxiety, and the relentless pressure of professional sport.

In this episode of Lifeline's Holding on to Hope podcast, Tom shares how he faced his mental health challenges head-on, made the courageous decision to walk away from football, and found a new sense of purpose. Now a dedicated mental health advocate, Tom reflects on the power of asking for help, the importance of self-care, and how trusting his instincts helped him navigate life’s biggest transitions.

Tom’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always look like we expect and that hope and healing are always within reach.

Read the transcript.

Tom cheering