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What happens when you speak to primary school kids about their mental health?

When I was asked to speak to years 5 and 6, from a local primary school about their mental health and wellbeing, I had no idea what to expect. However, what I took away from that day is something everyone needs to know.

To give some context, a few months ago I spoke to the year 10 students from a local high-school, as well as their teachers. Something I have done many times before. One of the people there that day was the assistant head of the senior preparatory school. Knowing all too well the situations of his students he knew that something like this was needed for them.

Young People’s Human Rights Medal

I was both surprised and honoured when told about being selected as a finalist for the Australian Young People's Human Rights medal.

More so, I was deeply humbled to find out the group of inspiring young Australians I was a part of.

Mum, I wish I was dead - A parents perspective | Mental As - ABC Radio - Jessica Bineth

As part of the ABC's Mental As programming, Jessica Bineth interviewed both mum and dad, to help give a parents perspective on my depression. It also sheds light on how a mental illness can affect more than just the sufferer.

Anne:

"He called me into his room very upset one morning and said, 'mummy my heart is black, my body is full of anger and I wish I was dead'."

The road to recovery shouldn't be so dark | Niamh Slevin - The Australia Times GIVE magazine

Mental illness is often an uncomfortable topic for many as people have a lack of understanding or cannot comprehend. It is essential to share the facts and talk openly about experiences in order to equip others with knowledge and fight the stigma attached to mental illness that directly impacts on those affected.

“I told mum my heart is black, my body is full of anger and I want to die”

Will the Kids be Alright? - Discussion panel

Earlier today I had the pleasure of sitting alongside Dr. Arne Rubinstein and Joanne Fedler for the SJWF, moderated by Kim Slender.

We shared our insights to the general question 'Will the Kids be Alright?'. In the hour we managed to cover teenagers, technology, well-being, parenting, relationships, and communication. As it was a writers festival we all related back to our respective books. Arne's new book The Making of Men, Joanne's Love in the Time of Contempt, and my mum, i wish i was dead.

How electroconvulsive therapy is fighting mental illness one patient at a time - The Sunday Telegraph

Full article written by Ben Pike can be found at The Sunday Telegraph.

Coincidently, the previous week I was invited to be a guest lecturer at the New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry. I was there to mostly share my insights into what it is like as a young person going through the medical system with a mental illness, and to eventually receive electro convulsive therapy (ECT).

Live Interview with Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand National

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by Kathryn Ryan for Radio New Zealand National. Not only did we discuss my book 'mum, i wish i was dead', we went into detail about the tools I use to maintain my health, the importance of persistence, struggles with suicide, the effects depression has on family, friends and school, what it's like to wear the "mask" to try and fit in, as well as much more.

Live Webinar for Management Consultancy International – The MCI Institute Men’s Health Week

The MCI Institute is a fantastic organisation that offers online courses and support for people who want to increase their professional qualifications and undertake further study. They live by the motto "Because a Mind is a Powerful Thing to Use" and their mission is to open the doors of learning to all students, irrespective of their background or circumstances.