⚠️ Please note: This episode includes discussions of sexual assault, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.⚠️
In this powerful episode of Before You Bloom, I’m joined by Adam Sheehy, a man who describes himself as “defiant in the face of an imbalanced brain,” and whose story is one of deep struggle, self-awareness, and hope.
Adam opens up about the early signs that something wasn’t right with his mental health, taking us into the darker moments of his life. He speaks candidly about how cannabis and alcohol became coping mechanisms, slowly shifting into dependency, and what life looked like when addiction was at its strongest.
We explore the psychological grip of addiction, the internal battle between the part of Adam that wanted to heal and the part that felt trapped in the cycle.
This conversation also looks forward. Adam reflects on how he manages his mental health today, the tools, routines, and mindsets that help him stay grounded, and how he navigates triggers and urges when they arise. He challenges common misconceptions around addiction and mental illness, and speaks directly to those who may feel hopeless or stuck right now.
This episode is honest, raw, and deeply human. It’s for anyone navigating mental illness, addiction, recovery, or loving someone who is. Most of all, it’s a reminder that even when hope feels out of reach, it still exists, sometimes quietly, sometimes defiantly, waiting to be found.
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse or trying to heal from it here are some support links :
🇦🇺 Australia
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line : 1800-806-292
- 1800RESPECT – National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
- Lifeline Australia – Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention: 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Kids Helpline – Counselling for young people aged 5–25: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
- Blue Knot Foundation – Support for adult survivors of childhood trauma: 1300 657 380
- Beyond Blue – Mental health support: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
🌍 International/Global
- RAINN (U.S.) – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: 1-800-656-4673 (24/7) or rainn.org
- Crisis Text Line – Free 24/7 text support in the U.S. & internationally: Text HOME to 741741
- Suicide Stop (Worldwide Hotlines Directory): suicidestop.com/online
United Kingdom
- Samaritans UK – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- NAPAC – Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse: 0808 801 0331
Canada
- Talk Suicide Canada – Call or text 988 (24/7)
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection: protectchildren.ca
New Zealand
- Lifeline New Zealand: 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Safe to Talk – Sexual harm helpline: 0800 044 334
💙 As mentioned in the episode, You can book into Jessica Ella's Trauma Therapy clinic HERE and can also follow on socials : Jess' IG & Aaruka's IG . I also Interviewed Jess in episode 113 of Before You Bloom 💙
💗 Thank you so much for being here on this adventure with me! 💗- Hayley xo
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The Before You Bloom Podcast is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and culture and pay my respects to their elders past, present, and emerging, and any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening today.