I am Justin Windsor, owner operator of JMW Health and Fitness. I served for 11 years in the Australian Army as a Fitter and Turner doing time at 5th Avn Regt, 3 RAR, 7 CSSB and 1st Sig Regt, deploying once to Iraq in 2017 as a part of Task group Taji V. Prior to serving in the army I completed my apprenticeship as a fitter and turner which I started at 16 years old. So after spending half of my life so far in the maintenance industry I wanted a complete shift and to do something I am passionate about. Growing up and into my late 20s I always played sport AFL primarily but also Rugby Union and League, Cricket, Hockey and Basketball to name a few. I also exercised regularly, particularly during my time in the Army and believe that physical activity has a profound positive influence on mental health and overall wellbeing.

Due to my service I developed a number of injuries that severely restricted me from participating in sport, exercise and from conducting my normal duties. As my physical state declined so did my mental health resulting in major depression. I found myself in a pit and without the ability to do the things that I used to do to help level my mental state, such as playing footy or going for a run.

I owe my life to my wife, Allyse and my two kids, Bea and Alfie, without them I think I would have had a much more difficult time and possibly a deeper hole to climb out of. I am very open about my struggles with mental health and encourage open conversations with friends and family. It isn’t easy to speak up and seek help, my wife could already see I was struggling and asked me to see someone, but it still took me a year to work up the courage to admit I wasn’t ok and seek psychological help.

During my time in the Army I developed a passion for helping out those who were struggling whether that be with their fitness or in their personal life. I do this because I want to help people be the best person they can be.

I am not a mental health professional, but if anyone needs it I will always lend a hand and help seek out the services that can get someone on the way to recovery.

First thing to do is to get some sun, get moving and get around other people who can bring out the best in you.