MAYORAL MINUTE NO 10/2020
START THE CONVERSATION THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE 8 SEPTEMBER 2020
Councillors,
This Thursday, September 10, I’m encouraging residents to turn to their friends, family and work colleagues and ask one simple question:
“Are you ok?”
Thursday marks R U OK? Day. It’s a national day of action and it’s also a reminder that any day is a good day to ask: “Are you ok?”.
This is a powerful message, especially when we are spending more time in our homes, cut-off from friends and family in a bid to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in our community. Many factors during this challenging time can take a toll mentally, including isolation, fear and a lack of human connection.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four of us will have a mental illness at some point in our lifetime. That means that mental illness will affect us all in some way or form. If it’s not you who is struggling, it could be your mum or dad, friend or another loved one.
The WHO predicts that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of disease around the world. More alarming, suicide is the number one cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years.
While mental illness has been a topic discussed openly, it’s still seen as a cultural taboo. Those who suffer from a mental health condition can feel ashamed to open up and tell others. They feel scared and fear being judged.
All of us have a responsibility to help remove the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide, and that starts with being there for people in need and sending a message that it's okay to ask for help. One of the best ways to help is to initiate that important conversation.
R U OK? offers some great tips when it comes to asking this simple, yet not always easy question. The first step is to ensure that you are in the right head space to support another on their positive mental health journey. The next step is to be prepared and be ready for a response to that question, which may be: “no, I'm not”. It’s important you listen with an open mind. If the person is not okay, encourage them and support them to take action, including seeking professional help. Sometimes people want help, but just don't know where to start.
Councillors, so many people suffer in silence and asking that one important question might just be the emotional trigger which causes them to seek the help and support they need.
I encourage this Council, local organisations, businesses and residents to get behind R U OK?
Day. Mental illness is such an important issue that we have to get on top of as a community. So let’s start the conversation!
Accordingly, I move that:
MOTION:
This Mayoral Minute be received.
Dr Michelle Byrne MAYOR
