How I created a new ‘home’ for my kids after my separation
After the breakdown of his marriage, JC Clapham moved out of the family home. This is how he built another one for his three young kids.
How my father’s suicide helped me to become a ‘real man’
It was Saturday, March 28, 1998, when I received the news that would cast a shadow over the rest of my life. I was 16 years old, and nothing would…
I had to walk away from my marriage and job to be a better dad
Married with a young family and a great job, JC Clapham thought he had ticked all the boxes for a good life. Then he nearly lost it all, and himself.…
Red Dog, I’m Truly Blue | The Westsider
One of the many shitful things about having a parent who died while I was young is that my kids never knew him. In my case, my dad would never…
A new career path
Two years ago I had a complete breakdown. I was physically exhausted and mentally shot. A perfect storm of a marriage ending, total burnout and disillusionment with work meant nearly…
#YOUCANTALKABOUT suicide | The Westsider
A new suicide prevention education campaign has been launched through a collaboration of leading mental health organisations in Australia. The campaign aims to empower people and increase their confidence when…
“Life by a thousand cuts’ | The Westsider
As a creative writing student quite some years ago, one of the mantras instilled in me was to “kill your darlings”. Alarming to hear out of context, to be sure.…
Remembering Eurydice
I knew Eurydice Dixon only a little, but she genuinely made a big and bold impression on me. She was intelligent, uniquely funny, and so thoroughly decent. Eurydice was raped…
‘Doona Daze’ | The Westsider
O soothest Sleep! if so it please thee, close In midst of this thine hymn my willing eyes, Or wait the “Amen,” ere thy poppy throws Around my bed its…
‘Once I was a Caterpillar’ | The Westsider
My local community newspaper, The Westsider, invited me to write a monthly column on mental health. I’m so rapt! The first piece has been published and is now online. I…