Finn Lowery was a special human being. He was Rangitoto College Head Boy, a NZ water polo representative for over ten years, top undergraduate student at Auckland Law School, a Rhodes Scholar, a wonderful friend to many and a heck of a salsa dancer. Finn was a husband, a son, grandson, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a team-mate and one of the nicest people in the world. He had a passion for life and a love of people from all walks of life. He had an ability to connect with others, notice what mattered, and use his skills and network to change things for the better. To the outside world, Finn seemed to have everything. But he also experienced severe anxiety and depression.
On 24 March 2019, aged 28, Finn Lowery lost his courageous and hard-fought battle with a Major Depressive Disorder with agitation. Finn’s battle took many twists and turns but ultimately Finn was unable to overcome the severity of his illness and he took his own life. While mental illness may be difficult to talk about it is something we are wise to confront head-on, start conversations about and encourage everyone to look out for their community, friends, family members and ultimately, themselves. |