At 39, Tahnay describes herself as a country girl at heart. She grew up in the small towns of South Australia, surrounded by open fields and a close-knit family. “I was always outdoors as a kid. We had friends with farms, and we spent a lot of time in nature,” she recalls.
Tahnay is the middle of three sisters. “We’re very similar in looks, but very different in personality,” she laughs. After years of travel, living overseas, and trying different jobs, she found her true calling at 26. “I never really knew what I wanted to do until I was about 26 or 27. That’s when I decided to study mental health,” she says. The decision came from a deeply personal place.
Finding Her Way Through Her Own Mental Health Journey
In her early twenties, Tahnay witnessed her parents’ struggles with depression and began noticing changes in her younger sister’s behaviour. Then, at 26, she found herself in what she describes as “a big black hole.”
“I would go to work every day and cry. I didn’t know what was happening or how to manage it.” Thankfully, a supportive team leader encouraged her to stay connected, and a close friend gently said, “I think you might have depression — I’m worried about you.”
“That conversation changed everything,” she reflects. “It was hard to hear but comforting because someone cared enough to say something.” She saw a GP, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and started medication. Over time, she built her own supports: walking, spending time in nature, improving her diet, and focusing on connection.
She came off medication after a year but acknowledges that recovery isn’t linear. “In the last twelve years, I’ve been on and off medication depending on what’s happening in my life. I’ve learned to recognise when I need help and that it’s okay to ask for it.”
Her two sisters have also faced their own mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. Her younger sister experienced a heavy journey, which impacted her greatly. After a couple of attempts of her own life, she ended up in hospital. She was later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. “I wanted to understand her, not judge her. I wasn’t okay with people saying she was ‘just acting up’ or ‘trying to get attention.’ There was more going on, and I wanted to know why.”
A Family United by Love and Loss
In March this year, Tahnay and her family lost their beautiful cousin Jordan to suicide. “It came as a complete shock. None of us knew he was struggling. We were devastated that he was in so much pain and we didn’t know.”
Soon after, her sister Kate came across Beyond Blue’s Coastrek and suggested they do it together, in Jordan’s honour. “She had two friends who wanted to join, and she asked if my sisters and I wanted to do it too. We all said yes straight away. It felt like something special we could do together for him.” 
At Jordan’s funeral, their aunt asked guests to donate to Beyond Blue instead of bringing flowers, a touching coincidence that made the Coastrek connection even more meaningful. They formed a team and called themselves The Sunflower Girls.
“The name came from the sunflower symbol for unseen disabilities,” Tahnay explains. “Someone once gave me a sunflower bracelet and told me it represented hidden conditions, like mental illness. It just made sense.”
On event day, their family turned out in full support, including their 93-year-old grandfather and their Aunty Gail, Jordan’s mum. “We didn’t even know if she’d come, but when we saw her at the first stop, it hit us so hard. It was incredibly emotional but also healing.”
The walk was filled with reflection, laughter, and tears. “It wasn’t about finishing first. It was about being present, walking for Jordan, and supporting each other. It was every emotion in one — sadness, pride, love, healing.” At one checkpoint, they even found sunflower bracelets for sale. Her aunty Gail bought them for everyone. “It felt like a sign. It made the day even more special.”
Opening Conversations and Changing Perspectives
Since the walk, mental health has become a much more open topic within their family. “I’ve always been open about my diagnosis, but not everyone in my family was,” she says. “After losing Jordan and doing the walk, it’s really opened up conversations, especially for my mum’s side of the family.”
Even posting about Coastrek on social media made an impact. “I noticed people opening up and coming together to support a great cause.”
Tahnay believes it’s essential that people know services like the Beyond Blue Support Service exist, that they’re accessible, and that seeking help isn’t something to be ashamed of. “I’ll always do whatever I can to help break the stigma and make mental health support visible, approachable, and easy to access.”
Looking After Their Own Mental Health
For her and her sisters, self-care and open communication are non-negotiable. “When one of us isn’t coping, we talk about it. We move our bodies, go to the gym, walk, hike, and get out in nature.”
She also keeps a “safety prescription”, a backup antidepressant she can use if she feels herself slipping. “It’s my way of knowing I have support ready if I need it. My younger sister does the same.”
Other rituals include sauna time, kayaking, and quiet moments outdoors. “Nature brings me back to the present,” she says.
Making an Impact Through Fundraising for Vital Services
“Having services like the Beyond Blue Support Service is incredibly important,” Tahnay shares. “I truly believe we don’t talk about it enough or promote these services as much as we should.”
She’s a strong advocate for the idea that even just eight minutes of genuine conversation can save a life. With her experience in the mental health industry, she knows firsthand the impact these services have on our community.
“We need to ensure people know support is out there and that mental health shouldn’t be a hidden or taboo topic. Just like you’d say ‘I need to find a good doctor,’ you should be able to say ‘I need to find a good mental health service.’”
Remember, the funds you raise through Coastrek are vital. They ensure we can provide free and accessible professional counselors to everyone in Australia who may need advice, support or referrals. 
This story is in loving dedicated to Jordans mum, Gail and brother, Alexander – may you find peace knowing that Jordan made in incredible impact in this world and will continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Further information is available here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Or contact the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service on 1300 22 46 36.
