How are you?

Aaron | Ōtautahi

Content warning: this kōrero shares mental health challenges.

The birth of Aaron’s son has given him a new purpose in life. Aaron says his biggest responsibility is now showing his son the right path. 

“So many times I think f**k I can just give up, but, I can’t, you know. He is the strength. I don’t even know how I made it through till I had him. He saved me.

Just being asked, “Are you okay?”—that can mean a lot. It’s hard out there, bro. Being a good dad, especially, is a real struggle. It’s tough trying to show him the right way when you’ve been through so much yourself. But even with everything, I wouldn’t change a thing because I have him now. He’s my reason.

I didn’t have him until I was thirty-nine. Now I’m forty-four, and I just want him to grow up healthy and happy. He could be anything, and I tell him to just try his best, that’s all you can do. My only wish is that I could’ve had him sooner. I feel like I wasted a lot of time, a lot of my life, before I could really be the dad I wanted to be for him.

He asks me so many questions, and I just want to answer every one of them. I know he’s just trying to learn, trying to understand the world. If I could, I’d find a way to be here forever for him. You know what I mean?”

Where to get help:

1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.

Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training.

Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.

OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community.