Mental health is constantly in the headlines lately.
I have lost some people close to me. Just recently, a really good guy who used to work for me decades ago, made the sad choice to end his own life, and that really rattled me.
I mention this in light of the Rotary-inspired Lift the Lid Walk for mental health, which was held over the weekend.
More than 550 people made the decision to take part, trekking 8km from Mooloolaba Surf Club to Alex Surf Club and back again. It was an awesome event, driven by Vicki Stewart, a local legend.
I went to the past few and can really see how it resonates with people: it is a walk-and-talk event.
Mental health issues are rampant – well, they probably always have been but at least now we are recognising it and talking about it, which is a start.
It can happen to anyone. It has actually been knocking on my door a few times and I don’t mind sharing my original contact with it.
I was about 19 and wanted to be rich and famous, but was failing miserably at both. My friends all seemed to be heading in the right direction but I was pretty sure I was a loser.
In public, either party-wise or in footy, I loved being the centre of attention.
But unbeknown to all my circle of friends and family, I was in a really dark place. It got to the point where I decided to end it all.
Now here is the weird thing: I was living with my parents and I remember thinking what a mess I was about to make that my Mum Edna probably would never get over. So that is what stopped me.
A couple of months later, I tried again but, Edna, I just couldn’t do it, thankfully.
These days, I know how to handle it.
I am thankful for my family, my friends and my health, which is all I need.
Events like the weekend walk play an important role. It raised more than $20,000 (the biggest tally in the seven-year history of the event), with every cent of that going directly to mental health research.
It’s a great achievement from all those who took part, and I encourage everyone generally to get involved in such events and in mental health discussions generally.
You never know when you might help someone and, at worst, help yourself.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit Lifeline.org.au. If it is an emergency or someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
