Have you ever wondered what reaching out looks like or wished you could find the courage to ask for help? You are not alone. These are normal questions many of us ask ourselves. Finding the internal courage to reach out for help can be both terrifying and liberating. I know this as I have experienced both, and more importantly, I have been privileged to listen to some incredibly brave people talk about their own mental health journey.
Rural and remote communities are renowned for their resilience, bravery, kindness and pure grit. The other side of such amazing qualities is the reluctance to become vulnerable when times are tough or when you’re compromised in a way that affects you physically, mentally or financially.
Across NSW, the rural landscape varies dramatically and with that comes a different set of problems – drought, fire, flood and financial hardship, all of which can test us. When faced with such challenges we need to draw on our courage to reach out.
Help surrounds us everywhere, whether it be our neighbours, family, friends, a work colleague, peer support workers, counsellors, 1800 numbers, GP’s, community groups, the list is endless. Knowing where to start can sometimes be overwhelming, but organisations like RAMHP can help rural people find the support that’s right for them.
It’s never ‘one size fits all’ when searching for answers, so it’s important to keep reaching out until you feel you’re being listened to. Never lose sight of why you reached out in the first place as it will be the internal dialogue that propels you into a good place when adversity next strikes.
As you explore ‘Boots on the Ground’, I hope you find inspiration in the stories from people who are making a tangible impact on the ground. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the strength of rural communities. By continuing to support and expand these community-led initiatives, we can create a future where mental health and wellbeing are prioritised for everyone.