The cat is out of the bag ... Part 6 - R U Okay Day 2019

So - in Australia we have an initiative called R U Okay day and it was today (12 September 2019). It's all about shining a spotlight on suicide prevention.

Quick stats

Some quick stats about mental health in Australia.

Over 1 million Australians are living with depression and 2 million with anxiety...

8 people a day (man and women) take their own lives in Australia ... 8 people.

please pause a second to think about the massive impact on family, friends, communities and beyond.

A short story about a superstar mate of mine

I’d like to share a short story about something wonderful that happened today that is a step towards addressing those stats.

My mate Nicki Parker showed remarkable courage today by trusting me and buddying up with me to help me talk about mental health. She really did put her hand up to be counted as someone making a difference.

She got up on stage at a national conference and shared her story of depression and anxiety with over 100 mechanical building services engineers.

On the spot!

She had bugger all time to prepare and was having a day of putting out fires for work whilst trying to get to the conference sessions she wanted to see (oh - and she led a panel discussion yesterday on resilience - AND was part of the creative team that shaped the amazing event.)

She has been there for me over the years to ask if I’m okay, listen to me, chat about things I’m doing to look after myself and she checks in on me.

We have shared our stories with each other and it always comforting knowing other people are out there doing it tough and that we really are not alone.

Today she was raw and vulnerable and helped everyone at the conference realize that it is ok to not be okay.

At the post conference drinks, two people spoke to me candidly about their own situations and people have spoken to Nicki too. We have also had a really kind LinkedIn message from one of the people at the conference.

That type of immediate response brings it home how crucial it is to make mental health visible by sharing our stories - whether it’s one on one - or with a group where you feel safe. It makes other people realize they are not alone in what they’re are going through and that there is so much help out there.

Nicki's Story

Please check out Nicki's version about today...

Thank you

Thanks to everyone that has taken time to read this. If you think someone else might find my story (and nickis) helpful to read - please share or send them a link.

Nicki - thank you for letting me be part of your story, and thank you for being part of mine.

What about you?

Looking for some help - check out the beyondblue website. They have some easy to use self assessment checks you can do as a simple first step. They have a phone line you can call. Don't worry about what you are going to say - just call and let the first words that fall out of your mouth happen... its a great first step to getting help.

Check out the R U Okay? website too for more helpful resources.