WE ARE urged to talk: to check in on friends, to speak up if we are struggling, to raise awareness about mental health, to break the stigma.
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But those with a profile, from elite sporting heroes to everyday community leaders, prepared to call out mental health directly as their injury or disability have been gradually making change in grassroots Ballarat.
This is a city well aware of its heavy suicide toll, a trouble reinforced with figures showing Ballarat's male suicide rate is 30 per cent above the state average.
High-profile community deaths, including AFL identity Danny Frawley, rocked this region and experts say the ripple effects from every single life lost are far-reaching.
Here is a snapshot how conversation is changing.
THE GROUNDWORK
PLENTY has been happening in this space. Frontline health and welfare workers joined forces in a think tank under the National Suicide Prevention Trial in Ballarat with state and federal funding. Awareness events from Survivors of Suicide, mental health breakkies, tradies' nights, and a united men's health night drawing Australia's top homicide detective Ron Iddles have been generating ongoing talks.
Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network, in partnership with Lifeline, have already more than doubled their annual target for training people in SAFEtalk since July 1. Network chairman Des Hudson said more people in the region are better equipped with confidence to ask the question 'are you okay' and respond - even if to listen without judgement.
Ballarat Community Health pscyhologist Katrina Bevelander told The Courier being upfront can help destigmatise suicide: "Sometimes this might be what scares people, asking straight up...Signs can feed back that maybe someone is not okay, noticing changes, and to do that we need to deepen our connections."
THE SPORTING IMPACT
LEADING Australian basketballer Liz Cambage wrote a powerful piece calling for the day when DNP - rest next to her name would actually read "did not play - mental health". Cambage questioned whether society was ready to talk about the deep, ugly side of mental health.
Buninyong Football Netball Club president Phillip Wilson said the rise in AFL players taking time away from the game for mental health is helping more players to speak up at grassroots level. The Bombers promote a safe, supportive space and, in turn, Mr Wilson said this was filtering into the broader community.
"When you see the big stars suffering it really says something - and they've probably got more support at their clubs than anyone," Mr Wilson said. "But, you don't know about it if you don't see it."
THE WORKFORCE
Human resources expert Clare Linane put the spotlight back on talking mental health in job recruitment. Ms Linane knew first-hand the awkward juggle in how much to share and how much to ask in job interviews - she had been on both sides.
In publicly sharing her struggle with depression and a corporate role, Ms Linane says there is a liberation in being able to bring your true self to work.
"I know you can have the conversation in an interview. It comes back to two questions an employer can ask: how can we help you succeed; and, what strategies can we put in place to help you stay well," Ms Linane said.
There is also the vital need for balance from Ballarat's 'accidental counsellors', like allied health professionals and barbers or hairdressers. They say clients are complex cases and attention to detail demands being present and listening - as is an increasing need for self-care.
THE COMMUNITY
HOLLY Baker stood up before her new peers at Western Bulldogs' Daughters of the West women's health program and told her story raw. Five years' sober, Holly achieved the milestone after hitting a stark cross-roads - die or do something different. Alcohol had been her way to numb anxiety and childhood trauma.
Holly shared her story to offer hope. Her mum and friends had stuck by her in a disease health professionals say does not discriminate. It will never be easy but Holly found her world changed to "full colour".
Phoenix year seven Lachie Jew says being a good leader takes a lot, but it was worth it. Lachie graduated from a Blue Light Blue Edge pilot program in Ballarat, a partnership between Victoria Police and Phoenix College for at-risk youth.
Program leaders say the incredible bond between participants of all year levels extended into the school yard, looking out for each other and helping the right decisions.
THE NEXT STEPS
VICTORIA'S interim report from the Royal Commission into Mental Health was tabled before parliament late last month. Premier Daniel Andrews has already said the government would adopt all recommendations including a special tax, similar to the state's fire services levy, for greater support structure and for a mental health system overhaul.
Ballarat mental health champion John Shanahan said government well-being strategy talks and calls for a national royal commission into veterans' suicide was only as good as actions to back this up. A Victorian coroner investigating Mr Shanahan's son Nathan's death also called for urgent, greater information sharing to prevent suicides of Australian Defence Force.
Meanwhile, Victorian police and emergency service personnel are trialling a state government pilot program offering 13 weeks' immediate treatment for mental health injury, without members having to prove the injury was work-related.
THE FINAL WORD
Retiring general practitioner Rod Hanton told The Courier the biggest "elephant in the room" when it comes to health right now was stress. Amid increasing attention on public health, Dr Hanton said stress was completely underestimated in the ways it can manifest physically and mentally: "If we identify stress (in our lives), we should also be paying more attention to making time for fun and joy in our lives.
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Mens line: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
Soldier On: 1300 620 380
Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
Family violence: 1800 RESPECT