Opinion

TWAL: Reach out to your mates and start a conversation

TWAL-column-issue-21

Do you ever wonder how you are going to get through it all? All the information that is coming at you every day. So much of it irrelevant, so much false caring from companies who you really don’t want or need to hear from, so much repetitive garbage about COVID-19. Do we need any of this?

Sometimes even trying to unsubscribe from these relentless emails is such a pain and adds extra angst.

I find it difficult enough to get through the day as it is, and I am one of the fortunate ones who can come to work every day and is not isolated at home or out of work.

However, because of the ridiculous rules laid down by an incompetent state government, I am restricted to my home after hours and at weekends.

My family live interstate or overseas, my friends don’t live in neighbouring suburbs so who are you meant to share you time with?

My mum is in a nursing home in NSW, so I have only managed to visit once this year. Luckily for me, I have amazing siblings who live near her as I am restricted to phone calls. I am sure it is the same for many others.

As someone who has conquered depression in the past, it is increasing difficult to fight off the return and as I have already said, I am one of the lucky ones.

It must be so much harder for those who have lost their jobs or who are struggling to work from home, teach their children and may have the added worry of an elderly or sick relative.

There are some wonderful programmes available, like Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, the SIRF Roundtables Men’s Mental Health Webinars which are now on YouTube.

We have Beyond Blue and Lifeline but first we must realise and admit we need help, even if it is just someone to talk to.

I know we often don’t talk to our mates as we don’t want to appear weak but guess what, if they are in the same industry, or age group, or there is some other common denominator,  they are probably experiencing some of the same issues and will understand the most.

We need to get back to business, back to what is going to be normal from now on. Let industry, retail and hospitality open.

People can then save their livelihoods and maybe there will be jobs available for the huge amount of people who have lost their jobs in the months of lockdown.

Small businesses especially need to be able to open and get some incentive to continue to operate, they are the backbone of the community.

So, let’s focus on what and who is important, shut out the drivel and try to get through this together.

It has never been more critical to reach out to your mates and talk about what is important to you, what ever that may be – trucks, fishing, your family or some amazing hobby that you have been keeping to yourself!

If you, or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, 24/7.

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