Shining a light on mental health
Buln Buln Football Netball Club used its matches against Nyora to help shine a light on mental illness as part of AFL Gippsland’s mental health round on Saturday.
Buln Buln footballers wore blue socks, while netballers wore blue bibs to shine a light on an issue that transcends local football and netball.
Often thought of as uncommon conditions, a staggering three million people in Australia suffer from some form of anxiety or depression at any given time. That is one in eight Australians, equivilent to three members of a football team, making it the most common form of mental illness.
While there is good exposure through organisations such as Beyond Blue and awareness through initiatives such as Movember and R U OK day, there is still negative stigma associated with mental illness and it is hoped the AFL themed rounds can influence people to asking for help, whether it be from a friend, family member or health professional.
Buln Buln club secretary Dr Pete Verbeek presented some information as part of mental health round.
“People suffering from a mental illness just can’t ‘switch it off’ or ‘try being happy instead’ as that is not the way depression or anxiety work,” he said.
“Use this opportunity to check up on a friend or family member and ask are you okay?
“If you are concerned you or a loved one is suffering from mental illness or would like to speak to someone you can speak with your GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, call Beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or speak to a friend or family member.
“A small conversation now may make a lifetime of difference.”