Michael Elwan Presenting on Suicide Prevention in CaLD Families at the National Suicide Prevention Conference

Today, I stand humbled and honoured to share a moment that marks both a personal and professional milestone. My abstract, "Building Bridges: Fostering Intergenerational Dialogue on Mental Health and Suicide in CaLD Families", has been accepted for presentation at the 2025 National Suicide Prevention Conference (NSPC), right here in my beloved home city of Perth.

This is more than an acceptance - it’s the culmination of a deeply personal journey. Mental health was rarely spoken of in my culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) family. Silence, born of stigma and misunderstanding, often became the unintentional barrier between generations. But silence does not protect - it isolates. My mission has been to break that silence, to turn my own story into a bridge that connects families struggling with similar challenges.

This work stems from my lived experience. From caring for my father after he lost his sight, to supporting my mother through her mental health challenges - and ultimately losing her to suicide - I have carried the weight of these struggles. These experiences ignited my purpose: to spark intergenerational dialogue in CaLD communities, create accessible mental health resources, and honour my loved ones by advocating for a world where no family is left unsupported.

Presenting at NSPC 2025 is about more than sharing a vision. It is about amplifying the voices of CaLD families, challenging stigma through storytelling, and creating lasting systemic change in suicide prevention.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Suicide Prevention Australia for this platform and for believing in the importance of diverse lived experience voices in shaping mental health services. This is an opportunity not only to speak - but to stand with fellow advocates working toward a compassionate, inclusive future.

To my community, mentors, and unwavering supporters: this is our shared journey. And to anyone still navigating the path of loss, cultural stigma, or silence - your voice matters. You are seen. You are not alone.

Based in Perth, WA, LEXs provides telehealth counselling across Australia for individuals, couples, and NDIS participants. Services extend to Social Work supervision, Peer Work supervision, training, and keynote speaking on men’s mental health, CaLD community wellbeing, and culturally responsive suicide prevention; helping people and organisations make mental-health care more compassionate, inclusive, and effective. LEXs provides services across Australia, supporting clients in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond. To learn more about our work across Australia, visit LEXs' services page.