Why Mental Health Matters with Dylan Nicholson

Having graduated school last year and Mr Nicholson said he first became aware of the mental health need when some of his friends were diagnosed with depression or hit hard when their plans fell apart.

“After school is a hard time for a lot people, I had a mate who was having dark thoughts,” he said.

“He was out of contact with people for a few days, it was frightening.”

“It is then you have realise how you might not know when someone needs help.

After hitting a rough patch himself and missing out on his life long dream of studying and playing water polo in America, Mr Nicholson wanted to commit himself to helping others.

He instead concentrated all his energy on his fitness and part time job.

“I just wanted to do something meaningful,” Mr Nicholson said.

“I went from running no more than 8 kilometres at my very best to a full marathon, thanks to the boxing crew I am training with.

“Now I want to give back.”

The enthusiastic teen has a Facebook page set up in his name to collect donations.