NDCAS marks mental health awareness month

Practical mental health tips such as putting a coin in your pocket so its weight is a reminder that ‘things are going to be okay’ and the simple message ‘to be kind’ were just some of the words of wisdom Stuart O’Neil shared at a community breakfast last week.

The author and publican was the guest speaker at a Narrabri and District Community Aid Service event, which marked mental health awareness month at a fitting location – the tranquil House on Rose gardens in Wee Waa.

“Mental health month is celebrated each year in October in NSW,” said NDCAS community engagement officer Kayla Nehrkorn.

“This month encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have lived experience of mental illness.

“It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages the help-seeking behaviours we need.”

NDCAS client pathways officer Gail Anderson added, “It was really good to listen to Stuart chatting about suicide prevention and see him connecting with people here today.

“Wee Waa is part of our shire and we like to be inclusive of the whole shire.

“Our goal is to give all the towns access to services.

“We had young people and older people, middle-aged people attend.

“Mental health affects all ages, so we were trying to draw everyone – no matter their age.

“The mission, obviously, for mental health awareness month is to make people more aware.

“We have been handing out Stuart’s book to our clients for a while and we wanted to bring him to Wee Waa as a speaker because we have had really great feedback about the book – people have found it useful.

“It has also given people a better understanding about the needs of people with mental health issues.”

Stuart O’Neil is the author of a powerful pocket-sized book titled ‘Just One Reason’.

His book has been described as ‘a suicide prevention toolkit’ and a helpful resource for not only those suffering, but also friends and family looking for ways to offer assistance and empathy to their loved ones.

The title and concept of ‘Just One Reason’ comes from Mr O’Neil’s personal experience with depression and suicidal thoughts, he began to realise ‘each time he was almost at the end’ that he always found a reason to live.

“Just one reason was enough to get him through his darkest moments. This pattern seeded the concept of ‘Just One Reason’ as a suicide survival toolkit,” states Mr O’Neil’s website.

“I’m just an Aussie bloke with an idea that worked for me, and it’s working for others,” Mr O’Neil told The Courier.

Mr O’Neil has opened up about his own story to try to help others and save lives, telling Wee Waarians at the breakfast about his personal battles, including with bullying and depression.

Mr O’Neil shared some of the coping mechanisms he’s used to overcome dark days, including seeking professional help.

He praised the power of a caring country community and explained how his wife has been supported by locals during times when his mental health has gone off track.

Taking ownership of your own mental health and looking out for signs that might mean a person is having a tough time, were other topics Mr O’Neil covered at the event.

“If you see something that’s not morally or ethically correct and you do nothing or say nothing, then you’re complicit,” he said.

“And so, you’ve got to take a stand.

“If we all keep turning a blind eye – nothing is going to change.”

Pointing out the high number of females compared to males in attendance at the mental health month breakfast, Mr O’Neil commented, “The men aren’t going to do it by themselves, and so it’s up to the women because the men – well, we can be hopeless, unfortunately.”

As well as authoring a book, Mr O’Neil’s mission to make a difference and improve people’s wellbeing has also led him to open what’s been called ‘a mental health pub in the Australian bush’.

Mr O’Neil and his wife Susi have transformed Deepwater’s 150-year-old Top Pub into a community hub that aims to make locals and visiting patrons feel like they’ve stepped into a welcoming home with its eclectic furniture and art choices.

The O’Neils want the watering hole to be a kind and safe meeting place, where people feel emotionally replenished after connecting and starting conversations with others, whether that’s over a lemonade or a beer.

Mr O’Neil said a counsellor has also been visiting once a week, offering the option of assistance in a casual and comfortable environment.

NDCAS said the free breakfast event with Mr O’Neil aimed to provide practical resources, inform the community about services available, connect the community and break down barriers to open up discussions about mental health.

“Mental health still isn’t talked about by some people, if we can talk about it more than we can bring a greater understanding and hopefully help those who need it.

“At NDCAS, we often talk about the doors to people’s houses, and how everyone assumes what people are like behind those doors.

“But if you walk in and live in that house, what you assume and what is real can be very different.

“And trying to be understanding and also just being nice – they are easy things to do to help.”

NDCAS community engagement officer Kayla Nehrkorn thanked Mr O’Neil, his wife Susi, attendees and those who helped to make the ‘Just One Reason’ breakfast a success.

“This event would not have been possible without the support of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Ski for Life and HealthWISE.”

Mr O’Neil’s books are available for free at the NDCAS office.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline (24-hour Crisis Line): 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467