R U OK? Speaking out about Mental Health

Published on May 16, 2018
Writen by Taylorcare

Last Thursday night I had the pleasure as the Community Ambassador of R U OK? Charity to speak at Gilcrest Connell Lawyers cocktail evening at the Small Bar in the CBD of Sydney. I was welcomed by the organisers and went with one of my cheer squad and Taylor team Lumi, to the event.I had the honour to speak to about 30 Lawyers and Insurance Brokers about the message of mental health in the workplace, how to have the conversation with people in our world struggling with mental health and my personal story with mental health.It was my first public speaking opportunity for RUOK and I was incredibly nervous about it and was suffering from chronic lower back pain for the week leading up to it, so I was on painkillers too. Nonetheless, I was determined to not let this stop me from speaking up for a cause I’m passionate about and from trying to make an impact on those I meet.At the moment I got up to speak I found this inner confidence and excitement to push through and share my story. The audience was very engaging. I shared my personal journey with mental health as a teenager which really opened the audience up to understand why I’m on a mission to share the message of R U OK to the people in my world.The reality is, every 8 min someone is attempting to take their own life in Australia and there is an average of 8 deaths a day from suicide. That’s a total of 3,300 deaths a year which is far too many and I want to be a voice for those who feel they can’t speak up for themselves.Check out the R U OK? website for more helpful resources to support those around you struggling with mental health.Remember -No season in life is forever! You or someone you know might be going through a season of winter but remember spring is coming.Who can you reach out to today that might need your help or support?A conversation can change someone’s life!If you would like me to come to your workplace or charity event and speak about mental health on behalf of RUOK charity contact on 02 98104498 or email Lumi at office@taylorcare.com.au