One in five Australians will experience mental ill health this year and only 46% of people seek help. It’s a complex challenge – for ourselves, our loved ones and, most of all, for the nine Australians who die by suicide everyday.
Push For Better Foundation
My friends and colleagues have dubbed me with the nickname ‘Ricardo’. Ricardo’s great. He’s a fun loving SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) enthusiast, a leader, a beer connoisseur. He dances on tables and inspires momentous causes. He makes decisions without sacrifice and laughs non-stop. He doesn’t worry and faces challenges without fear. Everyone loves Ricardo.
But what about Ricky? How would they feel if they knew about the man behind the fun loving façade? Would they embrace him too? Could I?
The Journey
A few years ago, I wrote my first mental health story, “Breathe”. It was a short blog on the discovery of my mental ill-health, and how I needed, and accepted help. A journey of self-examination, self awareness and a move to focus.
Breathe – My Story on Mental Health
But the journey never stops. Even now, my awareness continues to shift, and I struggle to accept the parts of myself that aren’t as bright and shiny as I’d like them to be. In those moments, being ‘Ricardo’ feels like a performance, simply a means to avoid facing where I’m at mentally. But, as we know, denial doesn’t provide solutions.
Meet Ricky
When I finally decided to look at the parts of myself I’d kept hidden, an understanding of my identity became holistic, and I began embracing the “bad”. I realised that being the best version of us doesn’t come from masking pain. I am Ricardo. But without all of Ricky’s vulnerabilities and ‘weaknesses’, Ricardo can’t shine.
Managing my mental health is something I’ll always have to work at. Breathing through anxiety, maintaining gratitude through depression, and taking steps daily remains an ongoing challenge.
You’re OK
Mental illness is an issue that people rarely see, and those suffering are often ignorant to their condition. Only by being aware can we move towards a mentally healthy life. We all have our own journeys. I’ve learnt through discipline, that I’m fine. But It’s always work and may always be. Each day is a step, each day belief.
My final words of encouragement will always be; it’s ok, life is hard, life is great, believe in your untidy soul, believe in your mistakes.
We all want to be the best version of ourselves. Just remember; you already are.
GRAVITIC 