Keywords
mental health, addiction, recovery, personal growth, resilience, support, connection, shame, courage, self-discovery
Summary
In this episode of the Fall From Grace podcast, Tony Bailey shares his deeply personal journey through the collapse of his life, grappling with addiction, and the path to recovery. He reflects on the emotional turmoil of losing everything, the struggle with mental health, and the importance of connection and support in overcoming challenges. Through candid storytelling, he emphasizes the lessons learned about shame, accountability, and the courage it takes to ask for help.
Takeaways
This whole process has been confronting, emotional, and unexpectedly freeing.
I lost everything. No home. No certainty.
A friend offered me his couch. Six weeks.
Crystal meth gave me comfort. It gave me calm.
Addiction isn't about wanting to destroy your life.
Shame thrives in silence.
Connection saves lives.
Asking for help isn't weakness, it's courage.
The moment I spoke honestly, shame started to lose its grip.
Accountability isn't about punishment, it's about reclaiming your integrity.
Sound bites
"I was showing up, working. Functioning."
"Shame thrives in silence."
"Connection saves lives."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection
01:59 You Are Not Alone
03:40 Waking Up In My Car
05:41 The Descent into Addiction
10:51 Lets Pause For A Moment
12:21 Realizations and Seeking Help
15:38 The Lies I Was Telling Myself
16:31 Gratitude For Someone Who Was There For Me
19:58 The Turning Point: 12-Step Meeting
22:57 What I've Learnt
26:05 The Journey of Recovery and Connection
🆘 SUPPORT SERVICES
If this episode has brought up difficult feelings or you’re struggling right now, please know that support is available. You don’t have to go through this alone.
🇦🇺 Australia
Lifeline
📞 13 11 14
🌐 https://www.lifeline.org.au
24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Beyond Blue
📞 1300 22 4636
🌐 https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges.
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
📞 1800 250 015
🌐 https://www.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs
24/7 confidential information, support, and referrals for alcohol and other drug use.
Suicide Call Back Service
📞 1300 659 467
🌐 https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
24/7 counselling for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and those supporting them.
MensLine Australia
📞 1300 78 99 78
🌐 https://mensline.org.au
24/7 support for men dealing with mental health, relationships, and life challenges.
13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support)
📞 13 92 76
🌐 https://www.13yarn.org.au
24/7 culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
🌍 Worldwide / International
Find a Helpline
🌐 https://findahelpline.com
A global directory of free, confidential mental health and crisis helplines in over 150 countries.
Befrienders Worldwide
🌐 https://www.befrienders.org
International support network offering emotional support and suicide prevention resources.
Samaritans (UK & Ireland)
📞 +44 (0)8457 90 90 90
🌐 https://www.samaritans.org
24/7 confidential support for anyone in distress.
Crisis Services Canada
📞 1-833-456-4566
🌐 https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca
24/7 support for people in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA)
📞 Call or text 988
🌐 https://988lifeline.org
24/7 free and confidential emotional support in the United States.
If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.
💬 A gentle reminder
Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s courage.
Connection saves lives.