High school dropout Nic Newling never expected to become a mental health advocate, giving TV interviews and presentations around the world.
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But his life changed at age 16, when his brother Christopher committed suicide.
“It was completely unexpected. A popular athlete and rugby player, he seemed to have it all,” Mr Newling said.
Mr Newling will be in Griffith, Leeton and Coleambully next week to talk about his experience and open up conversations about what can be done from people experiencing mental health issues. A question and answer session will invite crowd participation.
“The Aussie blokey man-up culture is not always conducive to talking about these things,” Mr Newling said, adding that both he and his brother experienced depression growing up but didn’t want to talk about it.
“Mental illness is often seen as a weakness,” he said.
But strength can come from talking about your problems, and things are changing in Australia.
“We are a lot luckier than other countries. You can get help through your GPs, and there are 24 hour phone lines for support. But we can improve a lot.”
He said the more voices that speak out, the more chance we have of ending mental illness stigma.
Mr Newling’s tour is presented by Riverina Bluebell, a Wagga Wagga based not for profit organisation established by a group of farmers and mental health professionals during the drought in 2007.
Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group (GSPSG) offer counselling, advice and referral support for people lonely, depressed or affected by suicide. A 24 hour telephone crisis line can be called on 1300 133 911.
They struggling to cope with influx of cases, and desperately need donations and volunteers. If you can help, please email Val Woodland at earth.element@hotmail.com.
Nic Newling MIA tour dates
Leeton Roxy Theatre, 29 May 2017, 7pm
Griffith Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 30 May 2017, 7pm
Coleambully Community Club, 31 May 2017, 7pm
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