"Be kind" are the words that have stuck with me this past year after meeting a mother who tragically lost her child to suicide.
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There are some who can understand the depth of her loss.
I have witnessed this woman reaching out to others this past year who have endured similar losses and to others to raise awareness.
Her compassion and personal strength to support others is inspiring.
Her message is clear - "be kind"!
She will never know how much those words have resonated with me personally this past year, to the point I too want the message to get out to our community - "Be Kind".
While we will never know how her young person reached that place of loss of hope or the wounds endured, what is known is words were spoken by others that added to their burdens of life.
Our words can either build people up or tear them down.
This is a message that could save another person's life, don't underestimate the power of your words or your actions.
I work with a team of people in the mental health sector and sadly we hear all too often that young people are experiencing the unkindness of others through words and actions.
Each person is unique in their life experiences and we don't know why some can work through these events and others struggle.
What we do know is there is help for those who are struggling to work through whatever they are facing.
There are growing concerns among our nation that suicide rates are on the increase. The ways we can fight against this is to be aware of how we are going personally and being in-tuned to those around us. If you are unsure what to do, reach out to those who can help.
As we continue to live through COVID uncertainty, we all need to refocus on the positives.
It's easy to get caught up in fear, especially if you are trying to stay up to date with COVID.
While we cannot change COVID, we can put things in place to help ourselves and our young people.
If you don't know where to start - contact your local GP for advice.
Below is a list of some of the services available that you can reach out to or provide the information to someone you know who is struggling.
It's okay to ask for help for yourself and others!
- Headspace Goulburn on 02 4824 4844
- ParentLine on 1300 1300 52
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
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