I
wasn't intending on posting about this…
….something
so sad and devastating,
something
that we as a small community have been continually facing for so long.
As a
mining town we have had our ups and downs,
many of our mines have closed with
only a few remaining.
Recently
we have been fighting the cause to assure a remaining mine will stay open, to
also keep the livelihood of our local power station intact.
Along
with this as a farming community the economy there has had many struggles.
We have
had closures of so many industries, companies, and even small businesses.
All
this, while seemingly alone and ignored from any form of outside supports, with
no consideration of how the ripple effects has and will continue to damage our
local economy.
With
all this, it has taken its toll on our community, the families within, in many
ways,
Unemployment
rates are high, Depression is a concerning issue,
All
showing how we need to address at an urgent priority level the statistics of
mental health issues and local suicides.
The
community has rallied together and formed a local branch of the recently
formed Walk'n'Talk programme. Setting up a local Facebook page and starting
regular local events.
(As
stated off there page)
Walk 'n' Talk
is an action group of caring people who want to help in preventing suicide in
our community.
-is an on-going event that
brings likeminded caring people together to help prevent suicide.
Talking Therapy saves lives and
whether you walk and talk, listen or just be present to show your support then
great things will happen. Our community needs to open up their hearts and give
more love than ever before, so come along to our walks and join in on the
growing community spirit.
With
plans underway for our latest upcoming Walk'n'Talk event
Yesterday
we were informed of yet another local lost
-
Learning
myself of the tragedy - my post off my personal page read -
Very sad day, being told of a
young life lost from our community.
Mental health issues are real.
We need to be vigilant to assure
our kids are safe.
Make sure they know we are here
to help. Connect, communicate, be passionate.
Nothing is more important than
the emotional wellbeing of any person.
My heart goes
out to the family and friends of this young child.
Keep your young
children and family members close.
I was
shocked and stunned, a young child of 16,
Someone
I had a connection with.
My son
coached him while I was the manager for a few years in our local soccer
competition.
The
same team we had A.J. in.
It was
raw, it was real, it had a face and a name, and it hurts.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
I'm not
going to pretend I know the answers………I don't.
No-one
does.
I worry
so much.
Our
kids are so fragile, although there is no age barrier,
What is
it that's going on in our society that results in this.
Even
A.J. will have such depressed days and he worries me of the outcome.
We all
struggle to know how to help.
It can
be so hard to pick up the warning signs or triggers.
No-one
is immune, it affects each person differently, some manage some don't.
It all
comes down to being there physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Talk to
each other, listen, understand, and believe.
When
someone reaches out and says they don't feel right, believe.
If they
seem to become withdrawn, stops socialising, changes in their mannerisms etc,
it
could be a pre-warning sign, don't ignore it.
Stay
strong and stay aware.
If you
are worried about a loved one or you yourself are needing emotional support,
please
call a local GP, metal health team, or the following contacts -
Lifeline
Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond
Blue: 1300 224 636
Kids
Helpline: 1800 551 800
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