Featured, Stories - September 11, 2024
It’s okay to say ‘you’re not okay’
- Warning: this story discusses suicide and mental illness.
“Don’t ever be ashamed to say you’re not okay. I always used to think that if I said I wasn’t okay, I was a bad Mum and couldn’t cope. I fought it so hard.”
For Intereach team member Krystal, R U OK? Day is more than an obligatory day to ask your loved ones and colleagues about their mental health.
It’s about starting a conversation that eventually leads to an ongoing connection which may possibly save a life one day.
With lived experience of PTSD, post-natal depression and the impact of losing her close friend to suicide, Krystal was not always okay.
“It took me a while to acknowledge my own mental struggles,” she said.
“I was always the one who wanted to make everyone else okay, but I eventually realised that I needed to be okay to help other people.
Krystal - Pictured volunteering at a tree planting day with colleague Brent.
“Thankfully, I have a very supportive wife, colleagues and workplace which has made a world of difference.”
Krystal joined Intereach as an Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator almost three years ago and can’t imagine doing anything else.
“I absolutely love my job and I go home knowing I’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life,” she said.
“My team members are like family and we all lean on each other. I feel so lucky to work at an organisation where they prioritise our health and wellbeing.”
Krystal has been able to access free counselling sessions through the Employee Assistance Program and takes advantage of flexible working arrangements if needed.
Wanting to give back, Krystal volunteers with the Intereach Environmental Working Group and is organising an R U OK? Day event at the Shepparton Intereach office on 12 September 2024.
“I’m excited to get everyone together, have a laugh, play some games and talk about how we’re all doing,” she said.
“I want to keep this going all year though, not just for one day, so I will be putting up posters with conversation starters around the office and make sure we keep checking in on each other.
“There is so much support and resources out there that people aren’t aware of and many people are struggling to know where to start, so it’s okay to ask for help and say you’re not okay.”
One in two Australians have experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime. Have a chat with your mates or colleagues and ask R U OK?
For more information, visit www.ruok.org.au
Intereach also supports mental health in the workplace through Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders who provide staff with support and guidance and refer them to mental health experts as needed.
If this story has raised any concerns for you or someone you know, reach out to these support services:
- Lifeline: 131 114 or text 0477 131 114 for 24/7 crisis support.
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 for mental health support or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 for free, confidential support for children and young people.
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 for free phone and online counselling.
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