“Mental Illness is Not a Sin Issue. I Watched My Husband Run to God in His Pain,” Widow-Turned-Author Kayla Stoecklein
By: Laura Bennett
In 2018, author Kayla Stoecklein’s husband tragically took his own life – shocking the Christian community around the world. Andrew Stoecklein was only 30 years old, a father of three and a well-known US pastor. Christians were uncertain of how to handle suicide happening to such a vibrant faith leader.
Townsville residents are being invited to come along and learn how to keep on top of their mental health and wellbeing at a new expo being held this weekend.
Townsville City Council’s new Mentally Healthy City Wellness Expo is being held at the Palmetum Botanical Gardens on Saturday and will feature Saroo Brierly – the inspiration behind the movie Lion – as a guest speaker.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the expo is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the mental health of the community, particularly after the unprecedented monsoon.
“This new expo is a great way to bring our community together and start an open and honest dialogue about mental health,” Cr Hill said.
“We’re reaching nine months since the city was devastated by the monsoon and it’s important that we focus on the social and mental impacts that it has had on our residents.
“Townsville has signed on as Australia’s first Mentally Healthy City and we want our residents to have every chance to achieve their best mental health and have access to services when needed.”
Project Manager of Mentally Healthy City Townsville Brendon Marty said Townsville City Council has been one of the biggest supporters of the Mentally Healthy City Townsville Project from the start.
“When I approached the events team with the concept of bringing all the professional services and local wellbeing businesses together, they absolutely ran with it and made it their own,” Mr Marty said.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of our community and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate it. I look forward to seeing this grow in the coming years.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said it’s important for the community to have easy access to services following a major disaster.
“We know that the Townsville community is incredibly resilient but it’s important that we put a spotlight on the services available for anyone that may be struggling with their mental wellbeing,” Cr Doyle said.
“This expo brings a number of services together that can educate and support the community in an idyllic and family friendly environment at Palmetum.
“There will be lots of entertainment in addition to the stallholders and there will also be a free shuttle bus operating from the major shopping centres and Riverway.”
For more information, visit: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/mentally-healthy-city-wellness-expo
By: Duncan Robinson
Libby Trickett has been at the very pinnacle of sports, having represented her country at three Olympic games.
She has won multiple gold medals and is a five time world record holder. She is a married mum now, and at one of the most joyous times of life – she experienced significant depression.
Mental health issues affect everyone. Whether or not you yourself are experiencing mental illness there is always someone around you who is.
The World Mental Health Day website says that 1 in 5 Aussies are affected by it. As a community it’s important that we look out for each other, start conversations and support one another.
Here in our garrison city, we have so many soldiers we know are strong. But sometimes, they are struggling more than we know.
If you know someone or are personally battling with mental health and the repercussions of going to war please speak up and get assistance, get help, get support. The Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) provides a 24hr assistance service. Their number within Australia: 1800 011 046 (free & confidential service).
This service supports veterans and ex-service communities and families affected by mental health conditions caused by war and service related military operations. It’s not just a service for Vietnam veterans. They can help with treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.
The VVCS website lists some of the signs and symptoms of a developing mental illness to watch for which can include sudden feelings of anger or aggression, misuse of substance, social withdrawal or disturbed sleep. It is strongly recommended that if you are noticing these changes or signs, then please seek help now. Getting help immediately can prevent the development of a mental illness.
Visit the VVCS website for a calendar of workshops across the country.
Click HERE to view the calendar.
One of the upcoming programs in Townsville next month is: Mastering Anxiety in TSV on 13–14 Sept (2 day workshop). Again call 1800 011 046 for assistance.
Another service is “Solider On” which also holds reintegration and recovery programs they have center’s in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Please view the Solider On Website HERE. (www.soldieron.org.au)
Another service is Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). Please visit their website to see their services including publications, fact sheets, online rehabilitation course.
“DVA provides rehabilitation assistance to entitled serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, reservists and cadets.” – DVA website
Please see links below for further information:
http://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/rehabilitation
DVA: Contact Us
General Enquiries: 133 254
Regional Callers: 1800 555 254
Email: generalenquiries@dva.gov.au
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service: 1800 011 046
Click HERE to read some of the rehabilitation success stories.
