Mental health was the focus last week on the ABC and I applaud them for setting such a wonderful standard, airing brilliant content, starting conversations across all of their channels and talking more on messy subjects.
I am a mother of a child now grown into a man who has many mental health issues. It is confronting, and sad and frustrating and some days I feel like my heart will break with worry about his welfare or when I hear his stories.
In the last 2 weeks we have had amazing moments at Altitude Networking, where women have opened up and put themselves in the most vulnerable places to share their stories and speak truths on subjects nobody likes to talk about. The result was incredibly honouring and moving and allowed other people to connect with their own challenges.
We know the saying that everyone is battling something, but what meaning does that have if we turn a cynical eye or tune out because it makes us uncomfortable?
For me I believe we must afford people the space to open up and share if that’s what is needed for them. I think we must be more patient with people. Some people don’t have anybody to talk with or are trying to navigate difficult paths.
A smile, squeeze, touch or few moments of listening could make a mountain of difference to another human being.
200,000 Australians per month are injuring themselves in an effort to cry out for help, or to connect to feeling something, anything. People are in pain and I just think we could start with being more mindful.
Until next week
Big hugs
Andy x
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