Crusade for Connor: We wanted to honour our mate

Connor Hogan was diagnosed with schizophrenia, anxiety and depression in 2019. In December 2022, he tragically took his own life.Since then, Connor’s mates have honoured who he was by bringing people together to raise money and awareness for schizophrenia research.What struck me most about this conversation was the amount of love I could see in these blokes’ eyes. It was clear Connor was a special person, and it was obvious he continues to live on in their thoughts.Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality, affecting how a person thinks, feels and behaves. In the research I did before this episode, I was almost intimidated by the disease and how it takes hold of the people it affects.The way the boys described the impact it had on Connor reminded me of one reason suicide can feel like such a taboo subject: because it is bloody confronting.But conversations like this matter.These fellas sharing their stories and honouring their mate’s legacy are helping shape the conversation around schizophrenia. They are giving people a blueprint they so wish they had. They are giving people a perspective they wish Connor had.This is a powerful conversation about loss, love, resilience and creating a future with zero blue-collar suicides.If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.In Australia, you can contact:Lifeline: 13 11 14Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra: 1800 595 212Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or visit their website beyondblue.org.auFollow Crusade for Connor on Instagram