Dr Tom Mulholland: Mental health campaigner who saved thousands of people’s lives suddenly dies in suspected suicide

A mental health activist who helped thousands overcome their struggles has died in a suspected suicide.

The sudden death of Dr Tom Mulholland, 61, on Sunday was confirmed by his family on social media the following day, with the case being referred to the doctor.

New Zealand’s famous doctor hosted many television and radio shows, wrote two best-selling books, and was a public speaker.

This follows a distinguished medical career where he worked as an emergency department physician and general practitioner for over 25 years.

He also started his own general practice, established the first Taranaki White Cross Accident and Medical Clinic, started Doctor Global, ran workplace health seminars and was an honorary lecturer in psychological medicine at the University of Auckland.

Prominent New Zealand doctor and mental health advocate Dr Tom Mulholland (pictured), 61, died suddenly on Sunday.

Dr Mulholland’s son Tommy Mulholland announced in a social media post that arrangements were being made for his father’s funeral in Wellington.

“This is a loss for so many people and we are all devastated. He has always been an advocate for mental health and has dedicated so much of his life to the cause,” he wrote.

Tributes have been published by friends, family, former colleagues and many others who knew the beloved doctor.

Broadcaster Brooke Howard-Smith described Dr Mulholland as a ‘hero’ in an emotional tribute shared on Facebook.

“We have lost one of our best and brightest stars, a tower of purpose who had so many of the necessary tools at his fingertips,” he said.

“Dr Tom Mulholland will always be a hero of mine and I think of the thousands he inspired and helped, thousands whose lives he changed forever.”

‘An incredible life and in the end the most important lesson. Whatever you feel, no matter how alone you are I guarantee others feel the same. Please lie down.

‘For now, friend, just know that we are so proud of the wonderful life you’ve led and of you. The world will miss the hell out of him.’

Touching tributes have been shared by friends, family, former colleagues and many others who knew the beloved doctor (pictured left)

Medical entrepreneur, fellow doctor and author Sam Hazledine also shared an online post dedicated to Dr Mulholland.

‘I am sad. I’m confused. And to be honest, I’m a little angry, – he began.

“He was Tom to me, but to the world he was Dr Tom Mulholland, ‘The Attitude Doctor.’

Tom was the definition of ‘larger than life’. With an outgoing personality and a big heart, Tom positively impacted the lives of everyone he met.

“But in the end, I think that was not enough. He had demons, as we all do, and I think two days ago they took a lot for him. I don’t know if this was an intense spur of the moment, or a long term thing.

‘But I would like to know. I wish I was a better friend and sheltered deeper under that fiery exterior.’

Dr Hazledine revealed he had spoken to Dr Mulholland just weeks before his death and said he ‘seemed fine’ and there was ‘no indication he was struggling’.

‘I will miss that booming voice answering the phone with an enthusiastic, ‘Dr Sam!’ I don’t understand why he ran away, but I hope he finds peace wherever he is,” he added.

‘Goodbye Tom. I love you mate.’

In recent years, Dr Mulholland (pictured right) had been traveling around New Zealand doing health checks for kiwis wherever he went.

Auckland University Emeritus Professor of Psychological Medicine Robert Kydd said Dr Mulholland was a passionate and tireless mental health campaigner.

“He was particularly innovative in the ways he tried to provide services,” he said, as reported by The New Zealand Herald.

“He did a lot of work in rural areas, running his mental health ‘ambulance’ and talking to farmers about how it was important to look after the ‘high end’ – their mental health.”

“Personally, he was warm, friendly and caring. I will miss his spontaneous phone calls, wanting to discuss a new idea. He will be missed.’

In recent years, Dr Mulholland had traveled around New Zealand with an old ambulance and a boat that acted as a medical clinic so he could carry out health checks on thousands of Kiwis wherever he went.

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