In 2012, Joe Williams found himself sitting in a Dubbo psychiatric unit, faced with a choice.
The former NRL player and professional boxer had just attempted suicide.
"Joe you're lucky to be alive," his doctor said.
"You've got a second chance at life now, what are you going to do with it?"
In the years prior, Williams had managed to kick his addictions to illicit drugs and alcohol. But he had fallen into a destructive pattern of prescription drug use, and was struggling with his recently-diagnosed bipolar disorder.
Williams says that day in Dubbo was one step in an ongoing journey to self-knowledge and recovery, but it marked a turning point.
"It was in that moment, I said to myself … 'I am so thankful to be alive, and every day I get to open my eyes, I'm going to treat that as a gift'," he said.
Listen in as I sit and hear Joe's story and gain an insight into his recovery and how he has managed to overcome adversity and move forward with helping others.
To find out more about the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign and how you can get involved simply head to: https://www.imperfectlyperfectcampaign.org
The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is creating awareness and not a substitute for professional advice. Should you need help, please refer to your nearest crisis numbers.
