Tales from a Bruised Mind

Sometimes you need to just stop and sit for a little while and enjoy who and what you are and all that you have.

For me, it’s about hitting pause on work life from time to time and doing things that bring a lot of joy, which leads me to the right here and now.

Yesterday, the fantastic organisation DAD (Drive Against Depression) ran its second-ever Queensland drive experience, starting from Caboolture and ending at the awesome Bowden’s Own Car Collection in Buderim.

As always, we gathered together and were led in the morning briefing by wonderful DAD director David James, along with the magical, incredibly positive co-founder Sarah Davis.

We also heard from David’s long-term friend Leah who spoke about her times suffering from PTSD as a result of hardship experiences in childhood. It was emotional, raw and incredibly insightful.

As a DAD ambassador, I helped with the very important job known as ‘raffle ticket seller’ which went rather well I must say.

But when we left for the drive, I once again felt the same emotions rushing over me, just like I had on prior drives with this great community. A true sense of happiness, of positivity and confidence. I felt really at home in this safe space.

My brother Ben managed to find some time in his busy schedule as a music teacher to come out for the day and be my sidekick/navigator. We bonded over lots of things, including recent and very far memories, of good times and the not-so-good. We did the brotherly thing of just speaking what we felt at the time, without any glimpse of judgement.

At the end of the day, that’s really what the day is about. Honest conversations, mental health related or not. DAD does not force any participant to open up about their experiences, or to bring back tough emotions of the past.

But, if you wish to do so, you can. It’s the ultimate safe space.

Every time I go to a DAD drive, I am reminded of how many people have been affected by mental illness, either personally or through their family.

Even Chris Bowden, whose family owns a wonderful array of what I would call priceless motorsport and road cars (as well as Australia’s largest car cleaning and detailing business) has had battles of his own – something the Bowden family has dealt with generation after generation.

It was extremely generous of the Bowden Family to let us in to their collection which included some of Australia’s most famous motorsport icons, like two Holden Toranas raced (and won) by the late great Peter Brock. Other highlights included Australia’s only original Cobra and two Ford Sierra Cosworths – my personal favourites.

Check out some of the shots I took below!

As my brother and I drove home from the event, we were chuffed with the connections we had made, the conversations we had and the cars we got to see and experience.

Sometimes, I feel like I am a broken record when I talk about Drive Against Depression, but I just can’t help but spruik just how good these events are.

A massive thank you goes to Bowdens, Sarah Davis, David James and the entire DAD crew for another wonderful event.

We are making a real difference, whether that be big or small. The fact that 75 people registered for the drive – easily more than double the first Brisbane drive – shows DAD is making a real impact in the motoring community.

I take great pleasure in being part of this beautiful community of like-minded people.

Love,

Zak