Asking the question

Tuesday August 29, 2023

THE first stage to looking after a mate is reading the signs and asking if they are okay.

Recent data shows that suicide rates are increased for those living in outer and remote regional areas, as opposed to their metropolitan counterparts.

The death of a loved one, especially in a rural town such as Mount Gambier, causes a ripple effect and impacts everyone in one way or another.

Whilst we can only work with the medical resources we have, in contrast to those in metropolitan areas, a casual and heartfelt conversation asking if someone is okay is free and the most effective tool of all.

By having a chat over a coffee, beer, phone, or at football and checking up on your friend you could save a life.

For It is not weak to speak and it is okay to not be okay.

Troy Bell, Member for Mount Gambier

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