“It was the 3rd of January 2023 when I sat in front of my laptop, holding a piece of paper, thinking about ending my life,” says Nischal Niroula.
This isn’t an isolated story. Many international students, like Nischal, experience overwhelming despair when they move to Australia for higher studies. But often, they have no one to ask, ‘R U OK?’
When was the last time you genuinely asked someone if they were OK?
R U OK Day was initiated by Gavin Larkin in 2009 after his father’s suicide. Held on the second Tuesday of September each year, this day encourages Australians to stay connected and engage in conversations that may help someone through difficult times. Simple words—R U OK?—can create an immense impact on someone’s life.
Nischal, an IT graduate now based in Melbourne, came from Nepal to pursue his studies. Today, he balances a busy life as a mental health advocate, Study Melbourne ambassador, and a developer of AI tools for mental health. He’s even working on an app aimed at helping international students adjust to life in Australia.
It all sounds fulfilling now, doesn’t it? But the road to this point wasn’t easy—it required immense courage, resilience, and self-determination.
The early days were rough. Nischal was unprepared for the cultural differences, faced racism, juggled university work and a job, and took on personal financial responsibilities. It all piled up, affecting his mental health deeply.
“Towards the end of 2022, I was struggling with severe depression and panic attacks,” Nischal recalls. “I started experiencing early signs of schizophrenia. On January 3rd, 2023, I hit rock bottom, consumed by dark thoughts. It’s not easy to admit, but I thought about ending my life. I sat there, my head in my hands, staring at a piece of paper, wondering what my family and friends would think. I don’t remember much after that; I must have fallen asleep. But when I woke up and saw myself in the mirror, I was horrified. I was swollen, exhausted, and ashamed of the person staring back at me. That was my turning point.”
A voice inside urged him to change. Nischal started going to the gym after long work hours, and despite an injury, his greatest triumph was completing a half marathon. “I had arrived,” he says. “It felt like a part of me died, but I was reborn.”
Motivated by his own recovery, Nischal set out to help others experiencing similar struggles. For many international students, their support systems are back home, far away. But they need someone here, someone who cares enough to ask, “R U OK?”
“I remember one day on the train, feeling completely drained, wishing for a random stranger to give me a hug and ask if I was OK,” he says. “When I overcame those dark times, I felt obligated to be that person for others—to share my story and offer hope to international students who feel alone.”
And that’s how his podcast was born. It’s real, raw, and human. Today, Nischal has thousands of listeners from around the world who find hope in his journey. From contemplating suicide a year ago to becoming a mental health advocate, Nischal has come a long way.
So, be a Nischal. Ask someone, “R U OK?”—and mean it. Those simple three words could save a life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, dial 000.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
