Stars back R U OK? Day
Performers admit to battle with demons
A CONCERT at the Esplanade this morning in support of R U OK? Day is proving even TV and music stars can struggle with mental health issues.
X-Factor star Big T, who famously sung Signed Sealed Delivered in his high-vis shirt and stubbies, said anyone could be affected by depression and suicide.
“I’ve been affected by suicide and mental health throughout my life. I’ve lost mates working up in the railways, I’ve lost cousins, I’ve lost my best friend,” he said.
“It’s so hard to take. Young boys growing up think it’s not OK to open up to your parents or open up to your friends, so for me it’s important to let the younger generation know that it is OK to speak up and be real about your feelings.”
Fellow singer James Van Cooper said he was passionate about spreading the message through music and community engagement after his own struggles with mental health.
“I think that it’s very important for performers and artists and anyone in that kind of role to be honest about what's going on,” he said.
“In the beginning of my career I wasn’t very honest about what was going on.
“It took me going into some dark personal places for me to be able to get honest with myself, with the way that I’m living, and then be honest with my fans.”
He said the most important message being spread at today’s R U OK? Rocks Cairns concert was that it was OK to be vulnerable.
“I’ve done the research, I’ve lived that life, and I’ve seen those laneways it takes you down,” he said.
“I want to make sure the kids that I’m talking to on behalf of R U OK? know that it’s OK to be honest.”
The R U OK? Rocks Cairns concert includes appearances from Black Comedy star Steven Oliver, celebrity personal trainer Steve ‘The Commando’ Willis, and Australian music legend Ben Lee who has flown in from Los Angeles to headline the concert.
The Convo Convoy finishes its nationwide journey in the Far North today. To catch all of the action head to Fogarty Park on the Esplanade between 7.30am and 11am today.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health call Lifeline on 13 11 14.