1 00:00:10,614 --> 00:00:15,294 Speaker 1: You're listening to a Muma Mia podcast. Mumma Mia acknowledges 2 00:00:15,334 --> 00:00:18,174 Speaker 1: the traditional owners of land and waters that this podcast 3 00:00:18,214 --> 00:00:21,374 Speaker 1: is recorded on Hi. I'm Claire Murphy. This is Muma 4 00:00:21,454 --> 00:00:24,174 Speaker 1: MIA's daily news podcast, The Quickie. I just want to 5 00:00:24,254 --> 00:00:26,334 Speaker 1: let you know before we start today that on this 6 00:00:26,454 --> 00:00:29,534 Speaker 1: IUOK Day, we're going to be talking about suicide and 7 00:00:29,654 --> 00:00:32,414 Speaker 1: substance abuse. If this is a tough topic for you, 8 00:00:32,494 --> 00:00:39,374 Speaker 1: please take care when listening. It's our UOK day today, 9 00:00:39,574 --> 00:00:42,094 Speaker 1: the day we turn to those around us, friends, family, 10 00:00:42,174 --> 00:00:45,774 Speaker 1: colleagues and ask that very question. Now, we know that 11 00:00:45,814 --> 00:00:48,494 Speaker 1: many of those people will say fine, even when they're not. 12 00:00:49,054 --> 00:00:51,454 Speaker 1: But every now and then one of those people will 13 00:00:51,494 --> 00:00:55,054 Speaker 1: also say no, I'm not So what happens? 14 00:00:55,134 --> 00:00:55,334 Speaker 2: Then? 15 00:00:55,654 --> 00:00:57,894 Speaker 1: Do you rush them off to a psychologist? It can 16 00:00:57,934 --> 00:01:00,254 Speaker 1: take months to get an appointment. Should you take them 17 00:01:00,254 --> 00:01:02,534 Speaker 1: to your local hospital or will you end up sitting 18 00:01:02,534 --> 00:01:04,814 Speaker 1: in the emergency room for hours because you're lack of 19 00:01:04,814 --> 00:01:09,254 Speaker 1: physical injury dimsy lower priority. Today we're doing a virtual 20 00:01:09,534 --> 00:01:12,574 Speaker 1: mental health first aid course, and we'll hear from someone 21 00:01:12,694 --> 00:01:15,734 Speaker 1: who was at the very edge when one phone call 22 00:01:15,934 --> 00:01:19,414 Speaker 1: asking if she was okay brought her back. But first, 23 00:01:19,534 --> 00:01:22,294 Speaker 1: here's the latest from the Quickie Newsroom, Thursday September twelve. 24 00:01:22,894 --> 00:01:26,174 Speaker 1: Hunter Valley bus crash driver Brett Button has been sentenced 25 00:01:26,174 --> 00:01:28,894 Speaker 1: to thirty two years behind bars for the June twenty 26 00:01:28,974 --> 00:01:31,614 Speaker 1: twenty three accident that saw the bus he was driving roll, 27 00:01:31,934 --> 00:01:35,174 Speaker 1: killing ten people and injuring many others. On the night, 28 00:01:35,254 --> 00:01:37,734 Speaker 1: fifty nine year old Button was driving a bus carrying 29 00:01:37,774 --> 00:01:40,694 Speaker 1: thirty five wedding guests from the Wandon Valley Estate winery 30 00:01:40,694 --> 00:01:42,854 Speaker 1: in the New South Wales Hunter Valley back to the 31 00:01:42,854 --> 00:01:45,774 Speaker 1: town of Singleton. It was a foggy night in the valley, 32 00:01:45,774 --> 00:01:48,694 Speaker 1: but the wedding party guests had taken precautions on driving 33 00:01:48,694 --> 00:01:51,574 Speaker 1: in the conditions, opting to jump on the bus instead. 34 00:01:51,894 --> 00:01:55,894 Speaker 1: At approximately eleven thirty pm, the bus overturned while negotiating 35 00:01:55,894 --> 00:01:58,974 Speaker 1: a roundabout near the town of Greta. The crash resulted 36 00:01:58,974 --> 00:02:01,294 Speaker 1: in the deaths of Nadine McBride and her twenty two 37 00:02:01,334 --> 00:02:04,334 Speaker 1: year old daughter KaiA, Andrew Scott and his wife Lynan 38 00:02:04,774 --> 00:02:08,494 Speaker 1: Caine Simons, the youngest victim at just twenty one, Zach Bray, 39 00:02:08,694 --> 00:02:12,614 Speaker 1: Angus Craig, Darcy Bullman, Tory Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen. It 40 00:02:12,694 --> 00:02:15,174 Speaker 1: also left twenty five others with a list of injuries. 41 00:02:15,614 --> 00:02:18,334 Speaker 1: Many of the passengers were members of the Singleton Roosters 42 00:02:18,334 --> 00:02:21,974 Speaker 1: Ossie RULs football club. The newlyweds Mitchell Gaffney and Madeline 43 00:02:22,094 --> 00:02:24,894 Speaker 1: Edsel were a part of the club too. Button, whose 44 00:02:24,974 --> 00:02:28,134 Speaker 1: pleaded guilty to eighty nine charges, including ten counts of 45 00:02:28,214 --> 00:02:32,094 Speaker 1: dangerous driving occasioning death, had taken four hundred milligrams of 46 00:02:32,134 --> 00:02:35,294 Speaker 1: the opioid tramadol in the twenty four hours before the crash, 47 00:02:35,494 --> 00:02:39,214 Speaker 1: which likely impaired his driving ability. He had originally been 48 00:02:39,294 --> 00:02:42,294 Speaker 1: charged with ten counts of manslaughter, but those were later 49 00:02:42,374 --> 00:02:46,974 Speaker 1: downgraded to dangerous driving. Passengers claimed that Button had already 50 00:02:47,014 --> 00:02:49,614 Speaker 1: taken a corner too fast and they'd been pleading with 51 00:02:49,694 --> 00:02:52,334 Speaker 1: him to slow down. He reportedly told them if they 52 00:02:52,534 --> 00:02:54,934 Speaker 1: liked that last one, they were going to like this one, 53 00:02:54,974 --> 00:02:58,534 Speaker 1: before heading into the curve. Over the three day sentencing hearing, 54 00:02:58,574 --> 00:03:02,254 Speaker 1: the court heard gut wrenching victim impact statements from survivors 55 00:03:02,254 --> 00:03:04,774 Speaker 1: and family members of those who perished in the crash. 56 00:03:05,134 --> 00:03:08,094 Speaker 1: Steve Simon's father of twenty one year old Caine, who 57 00:03:08,134 --> 00:03:10,214 Speaker 1: died in the crash, told the court that losing his 58 00:03:10,294 --> 00:03:12,854 Speaker 1: son has left a void that can never be filled. 59 00:03:13,134 --> 00:03:16,054 Speaker 1: He explained how Cain had already been through a remarkable 60 00:03:16,094 --> 00:03:19,094 Speaker 1: recovery from a near fatal accident at age eleven, which 61 00:03:19,094 --> 00:03:21,854 Speaker 1: had given him a profound appreciation for life. 62 00:03:21,934 --> 00:03:24,894 Speaker 3: To lose him now after having been given that second chance, 63 00:03:25,054 --> 00:03:26,574 Speaker 3: feels both cruel and unfair. 64 00:03:27,014 --> 00:03:29,974 Speaker 1: Kay Welsh, mother of victim Tory Cawburn, described the moment 65 00:03:30,054 --> 00:03:33,934 Speaker 1: she received an automatic crash detection message from her daughter's phone. 66 00:03:33,974 --> 00:03:37,974 Speaker 4: At that moment, I screamed out, No, No, this isn't happening, 67 00:03:38,094 --> 00:03:41,014 Speaker 4: and I fell to my knees, crying uncontrollably. 68 00:03:41,134 --> 00:03:44,214 Speaker 1: Graham McBride described how he woke up five days after 69 00:03:44,254 --> 00:03:46,294 Speaker 1: the crash to find out he had a broken neck, 70 00:03:46,574 --> 00:03:49,534 Speaker 1: fractured ribs and arm, and cuts over his body, but 71 00:03:49,614 --> 00:03:52,294 Speaker 1: those around him hesitated to answer how his wife and 72 00:03:52,374 --> 00:03:54,734 Speaker 1: daughter were doing, not wanting to tell him that they 73 00:03:54,774 --> 00:03:55,494 Speaker 1: didn't make it. 74 00:03:55,734 --> 00:03:58,134 Speaker 3: My family was my proudest achievement and my girl's the 75 00:03:58,134 --> 00:04:00,414 Speaker 3: most important thing in my life, which have now been 76 00:04:00,454 --> 00:04:02,534 Speaker 3: taken from me. It breaks my heart that I will 77 00:04:02,574 --> 00:04:04,374 Speaker 3: not grow old in the Dean like I plans. I 78 00:04:04,414 --> 00:04:06,054 Speaker 3: wish I could hold my wife and daughter again. 79 00:04:06,174 --> 00:04:08,974 Speaker 1: He explained that He discharged himself from hospital after just 80 00:04:09,014 --> 00:04:11,774 Speaker 1: fifteen so that he could go home and lay in 81 00:04:11,774 --> 00:04:14,174 Speaker 1: the bed that he once shared with his wife. Sharon 82 00:04:14,254 --> 00:04:17,054 Speaker 1: Junker explained how she felt like the driver didn't apply 83 00:04:17,174 --> 00:04:19,134 Speaker 1: the brakes at all as they took the corner. 84 00:04:19,214 --> 00:04:21,574 Speaker 4: As the wheels began to lift on the right hand side, 85 00:04:21,654 --> 00:04:23,534 Speaker 4: I was certain it was about to tip and I 86 00:04:23,574 --> 00:04:26,254 Speaker 4: was about to die. I was dragged along, bitchaman like 87 00:04:26,294 --> 00:04:28,654 Speaker 4: a cheese grater. It looks like a shark has taken 88 00:04:28,654 --> 00:04:31,054 Speaker 4: a bite out of my thigh and hip, leaving me 89 00:04:31,214 --> 00:04:32,934 Speaker 4: with a hideous disfigurement. 90 00:04:33,214 --> 00:04:36,534 Speaker 1: She remembers the sensation of falling sideways before the window 91 00:04:36,574 --> 00:04:39,174 Speaker 1: she was sitting next to smashed, exposing her to the 92 00:04:39,254 --> 00:04:42,054 Speaker 1: road surface, which was sliding under the weight of the bus. 93 00:04:42,534 --> 00:04:45,654 Speaker 1: Helen Arthur, sister of Nadine McBride, spoke of her struggle 94 00:04:45,734 --> 00:04:49,174 Speaker 1: to function in daily life since losing her sister and niece. 95 00:04:49,414 --> 00:04:51,934 Speaker 4: The loss of my beautiful sister and niece has seriously 96 00:04:51,974 --> 00:04:54,574 Speaker 4: made me unable to see the beauty in this harsh world. 97 00:04:54,934 --> 00:04:59,174 Speaker 1: Survivor Drew L. Massali confronted Button directly in court, challenging 98 00:04:59,214 --> 00:05:01,574 Speaker 1: him to make eye contact your honor. 99 00:05:01,854 --> 00:05:04,174 Speaker 5: Can you please ask the defendant to look at me 100 00:05:04,334 --> 00:05:06,014 Speaker 5: and at least show some respect. 101 00:05:06,294 --> 00:05:09,414 Speaker 1: Mister El Massali said he has not looked at one person. 102 00:05:09,614 --> 00:05:13,814 Speaker 1: I find it extremely offensive and totally unacceptable. Yesterday in court, 103 00:05:13,854 --> 00:05:16,774 Speaker 1: Button issued another apology, saying there wasn't a day that 104 00:05:16,814 --> 00:05:19,414 Speaker 1: goes by that he doesn't think about what happened that day, 105 00:05:19,774 --> 00:05:22,174 Speaker 1: not an hour where he's not thinking about the families 106 00:05:22,174 --> 00:05:25,214 Speaker 1: of those affected by his actions, saying he truly feels 107 00:05:25,254 --> 00:05:29,294 Speaker 1: for anyone involved, including emergency services. The judge presiding over 108 00:05:29,334 --> 00:05:31,334 Speaker 1: the hearing said that he'd never dealt with a case 109 00:05:31,374 --> 00:05:35,214 Speaker 1: that contained anywhere near as much devastation, reiterating that the 110 00:05:35,254 --> 00:05:38,214 Speaker 1: sentence doesn't bring back the deceased, as he handed over 111 00:05:38,254 --> 00:05:40,814 Speaker 1: the thirty two year sentence with a twenty four year 112 00:05:40,894 --> 00:05:44,454 Speaker 1: non parole period. In other news, the practice of doxing, 113 00:05:44,494 --> 00:05:48,134 Speaker 1: where someone's private details eleaked online, could see perpetrator's face 114 00:05:48,214 --> 00:05:50,854 Speaker 1: up to seven years behind bars if a person has 115 00:05:50,894 --> 00:05:53,374 Speaker 1: been targeted due to factors such as race, religion, or 116 00:05:53,414 --> 00:05:57,054 Speaker 1: sexual orientation. New laws will see deliberate lies spread on 117 00:05:57,094 --> 00:06:00,654 Speaker 1: social media policed by the Communications Watchdog here in Australia, 118 00:06:00,894 --> 00:06:03,374 Speaker 1: but they stop short of allowing the authority to issue 119 00:06:03,414 --> 00:06:07,014 Speaker 1: takedown notices for either content or accounts. A collection of 120 00:06:07,054 --> 00:06:11,734 Speaker 1: ten culturally significant indigenous artifacts, including boomerangs, a spear thrower, 121 00:06:11,814 --> 00:06:15,054 Speaker 1: a water carrier and knives, have been returned to Australia 122 00:06:15,054 --> 00:06:18,094 Speaker 1: from the UK's Horneman Museum and Gardens or among Goo 123 00:06:18,174 --> 00:06:20,894 Speaker 1: elders thanked the museum, saying the community was happy they 124 00:06:20,894 --> 00:06:24,134 Speaker 1: were coming back to country. And Justin Timberlake has reached 125 00:06:24,134 --> 00:06:27,014 Speaker 1: a plea deal in his Hampton's drink driving case. The 126 00:06:27,094 --> 00:06:29,934 Speaker 1: details of the agreement haven't been made public, for there 127 00:06:29,974 --> 00:06:32,334 Speaker 1: are reports he's agreed to plead guilty to a less 128 00:06:32,374 --> 00:06:36,014 Speaker 1: serious offense than the original of driving while intoxicated. That's 129 00:06:36,054 --> 00:06:38,214 Speaker 1: what's going down in the world today. Next, we're doing 130 00:06:38,254 --> 00:06:41,094 Speaker 1: mental health first day today, so you can best respond 131 00:06:41,254 --> 00:06:55,294 Speaker 1: when you ask those around you, are you okay. When 132 00:06:55,334 --> 00:06:58,774 Speaker 1: Sean was just twenty, she seemed to have the perfect life. 133 00:06:59,294 --> 00:07:01,934 Speaker 2: I had everything anyone could ever want. I had a 134 00:07:01,934 --> 00:07:05,534 Speaker 2: beautiful job, friends, family, I had just gotten back from 135 00:07:05,734 --> 00:07:08,454 Speaker 2: years of traveling all over the world. I was in 136 00:07:08,454 --> 00:07:11,894 Speaker 2: a relationship. I probably looked like I lived the absolute 137 00:07:11,934 --> 00:07:12,614 Speaker 2: high life. 138 00:07:12,974 --> 00:07:15,294 Speaker 1: But what no one around her knew was that it 139 00:07:15,334 --> 00:07:17,094 Speaker 1: was the actual opposite. 140 00:07:17,134 --> 00:07:19,694 Speaker 6: On the inside, I was just falling apart. 141 00:07:20,134 --> 00:07:24,734 Speaker 2: I had always suffered from anxiety and depression for as 142 00:07:24,734 --> 00:07:29,294 Speaker 2: long as I could remember, and for some reason, at 143 00:07:29,294 --> 00:07:31,974 Speaker 2: this point in my life, I just lost complete control 144 00:07:32,014 --> 00:07:36,974 Speaker 2: of it and it consumed me. I was so sad 145 00:07:37,454 --> 00:07:39,534 Speaker 2: and worried all the time. 146 00:07:39,654 --> 00:07:43,374 Speaker 6: It was like I lived under this black cloud. I 147 00:07:43,534 --> 00:07:45,094 Speaker 6: had no motivation. 148 00:07:44,854 --> 00:07:45,894 Speaker 7: To do anything. 149 00:07:46,094 --> 00:07:48,254 Speaker 2: I didn't want to eat, I didn't want to get 150 00:07:48,334 --> 00:07:51,254 Speaker 2: up in the morning, I couldn't sleep, I wasn't seeing 151 00:07:51,254 --> 00:07:52,734 Speaker 2: my friends or my family. 152 00:07:53,334 --> 00:07:56,054 Speaker 7: How sad I was took up. 153 00:07:56,214 --> 00:07:59,494 Speaker 2: Every moment of every single day for me, and it 154 00:07:59,574 --> 00:08:02,374 Speaker 2: was just absolutely ruining my life. I didn't want to 155 00:08:02,454 --> 00:08:05,134 Speaker 2: keep going because it was just so awful. 156 00:08:07,374 --> 00:08:10,254 Speaker 1: She says that the darkness of depression is that it 157 00:08:10,294 --> 00:08:13,854 Speaker 1: takes away your ability to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, 158 00:08:14,054 --> 00:08:14,814 Speaker 1: and mentally. 159 00:08:15,374 --> 00:08:19,814 Speaker 2: The helplessness that comes from having depression, that just sadness 160 00:08:19,854 --> 00:08:23,494 Speaker 2: of going why does this even matter? Made me pull 161 00:08:23,534 --> 00:08:27,174 Speaker 2: away and really isolate myself from my family and friends. 162 00:08:27,374 --> 00:08:28,814 Speaker 7: And then I didn't care. 163 00:08:29,134 --> 00:08:33,454 Speaker 2: I was losing weight very very quickly, within the space 164 00:08:33,494 --> 00:08:36,734 Speaker 2: of a couple of weeks, so there wasn't really much 165 00:08:36,814 --> 00:08:40,654 Speaker 2: left of me. I wasn't sleeping at all, and during 166 00:08:40,694 --> 00:08:44,574 Speaker 2: this time I would take copious amounts of nighttime cold 167 00:08:44,574 --> 00:08:47,334 Speaker 2: and flu tablets because they have that drowsy effect, just 168 00:08:47,414 --> 00:08:49,534 Speaker 2: so I could get a nap in and it would 169 00:08:49,614 --> 00:08:52,254 Speaker 2: quieten my mind. And then because I'm not eating, I 170 00:08:52,254 --> 00:08:55,574 Speaker 2: have no energy, so I couldn't pull myself out of bed. 171 00:08:56,214 --> 00:08:58,374 Speaker 2: If I did decide to have a shower, I could 172 00:08:58,454 --> 00:09:00,174 Speaker 2: only just sit on the ground, and I would just 173 00:09:00,174 --> 00:09:02,774 Speaker 2: sit there for hours because I just couldn't be bothered. 174 00:09:04,774 --> 00:09:07,574 Speaker 1: Sean tried to talk about it, but says the person 175 00:09:07,694 --> 00:09:10,254 Speaker 1: she broached the subject with didn't handle it well. 176 00:09:10,814 --> 00:09:14,174 Speaker 2: I do remember reaching out and saying something to somebody 177 00:09:14,494 --> 00:09:17,734 Speaker 2: and saying, you know, I was feeling really depressed, and 178 00:09:18,294 --> 00:09:21,054 Speaker 2: it was met with actually quite a bit of confusion 179 00:09:21,094 --> 00:09:25,174 Speaker 2: and anger. Now in hindsight, I can see that that 180 00:09:25,214 --> 00:09:29,094 Speaker 2: person just didn't have the tools to support. But there 181 00:09:29,214 --> 00:09:32,774 Speaker 2: was this sort of feeling of you have everything, you 182 00:09:32,854 --> 00:09:35,654 Speaker 2: are so lucky and so privileged, how could you. 183 00:09:35,654 --> 00:09:36,454 Speaker 5: Be so sad? 184 00:09:36,774 --> 00:09:39,494 Speaker 2: Almost that it was a bit selfish of me to 185 00:09:39,574 --> 00:09:43,534 Speaker 2: be feeling that way, And the guilt and shame that 186 00:09:43,774 --> 00:09:48,294 Speaker 2: ended up coming from that conversation completely shut down the 187 00:09:48,374 --> 00:09:52,254 Speaker 2: opportunity to ever talk to anybody again. Just I felt 188 00:09:52,294 --> 00:09:55,454 Speaker 2: like I was a burden to those around me, that 189 00:09:55,614 --> 00:09:59,134 Speaker 2: I was being really selfish and ungrateful for the life 190 00:09:59,134 --> 00:10:01,934 Speaker 2: that I had, and so I just learned to then 191 00:10:02,014 --> 00:10:02,734 Speaker 2: carry that alone. 192 00:10:04,374 --> 00:10:06,254 Speaker 1: The tipping point came for Sean when it was time 193 00:10:06,254 --> 00:10:08,974 Speaker 1: for her to start her university degree. She knew the 194 00:10:09,054 --> 00:10:11,374 Speaker 1: day was for her to turn up on campus and 195 00:10:11,454 --> 00:10:14,054 Speaker 1: begin this stage of her life, one that she'd worked 196 00:10:14,294 --> 00:10:17,054 Speaker 1: so very hard to achieve, but the pressure of it 197 00:10:17,094 --> 00:10:18,454 Speaker 1: all was just too. 198 00:10:18,334 --> 00:10:21,254 Speaker 2: Much that first week. If the university had come and gone, 199 00:10:21,334 --> 00:10:24,814 Speaker 2: and I had beaten myself up severely about not being 200 00:10:24,934 --> 00:10:28,614 Speaker 2: there and feeling like a failure. At this point, my 201 00:10:28,694 --> 00:10:29,974 Speaker 2: depression anxiety is. 202 00:10:29,934 --> 00:10:31,814 Speaker 7: So bad that I haven't. 203 00:10:31,574 --> 00:10:34,814 Speaker 2: Answered the phone or spoken to anyone in weeks, and 204 00:10:34,854 --> 00:10:38,774 Speaker 2: I talked to my family really, really regularly. I haven't 205 00:10:38,814 --> 00:10:42,054 Speaker 2: shown up to work in weeks. I'm not eating, and 206 00:10:42,534 --> 00:10:46,574 Speaker 2: by this point the intense and severe suicidal thoughts going 207 00:10:46,574 --> 00:10:47,574 Speaker 2: through my mind. 208 00:10:48,454 --> 00:10:50,654 Speaker 7: It was all I could think of. All I could 209 00:10:50,654 --> 00:10:51,854 Speaker 7: think in this world was I. 210 00:10:51,854 --> 00:10:55,334 Speaker 2: Just want this pain to stop. I don't want to 211 00:10:55,374 --> 00:10:58,894 Speaker 2: burden anyone everyone's life would be better without me. I 212 00:10:58,934 --> 00:11:00,694 Speaker 2: don't want to be here anymore. I don't want to 213 00:11:00,734 --> 00:11:05,254 Speaker 2: do this, and this particular night, I just had enough, 214 00:11:05,774 --> 00:11:09,294 Speaker 2: and I was just the end of my tether. I again, 215 00:11:09,534 --> 00:11:12,934 Speaker 2: I hadn't slept, I had sat in the shower until 216 00:11:12,974 --> 00:11:16,014 Speaker 2: the water ran cold, and then paced around my house 217 00:11:16,054 --> 00:11:19,294 Speaker 2: for hours, just working off that anxious energy, until I 218 00:11:19,374 --> 00:11:23,214 Speaker 2: was so exhausted that I was sitting on my kitchen 219 00:11:23,294 --> 00:11:29,214 Speaker 2: floor alone, just thinking about ending my life and how 220 00:11:29,334 --> 00:11:30,534 Speaker 2: nice that would feel. 221 00:11:31,334 --> 00:11:32,734 Speaker 7: And I just sort of had this thought in my 222 00:11:32,774 --> 00:11:33,094 Speaker 7: head that. 223 00:11:33,054 --> 00:11:36,774 Speaker 2: If I just had one brave moment and just did it, 224 00:11:37,054 --> 00:11:38,894 Speaker 2: all of this would go away and. 225 00:11:38,854 --> 00:11:40,414 Speaker 7: I wouldn't be in pain anymore. 226 00:11:40,654 --> 00:11:44,174 Speaker 2: And I noticed that the sun had started coming up, 227 00:11:44,254 --> 00:11:46,574 Speaker 2: so I'd been awake for a very very long time, 228 00:11:46,854 --> 00:11:48,134 Speaker 2: but it was so quiet. 229 00:11:48,614 --> 00:11:51,134 Speaker 7: There wasn't a car or a person or a bird. 230 00:11:51,214 --> 00:11:53,134 Speaker 7: It was like I was the only. 231 00:11:52,854 --> 00:11:56,134 Speaker 2: Person in the world left. And so I must have 232 00:11:56,134 --> 00:11:58,334 Speaker 2: been about what five point thirty in the morning by 233 00:11:58,334 --> 00:12:04,454 Speaker 2: this point, and all of a sudden, my phone rings. 234 00:12:04,934 --> 00:12:09,014 Speaker 2: I remember feeling the vibration of my phone and hearing it. 235 00:12:08,894 --> 00:12:11,094 Speaker 7: And she quite jolted me out of. 236 00:12:11,054 --> 00:12:15,294 Speaker 2: This trance I was in and that phone call was 237 00:12:15,334 --> 00:12:16,534 Speaker 2: coming from my dad. 238 00:12:19,334 --> 00:12:21,334 Speaker 1: When I said to Sean that her dad must have 239 00:12:21,414 --> 00:12:24,494 Speaker 1: felt that something wasn't right, that he must have somehow 240 00:12:24,574 --> 00:12:27,934 Speaker 1: felt compelled to call her at that very moment, she says, 241 00:12:28,094 --> 00:12:30,854 Speaker 1: there was definitely something more going on in the universe 242 00:12:30,854 --> 00:12:31,614 Speaker 1: for her that day. 243 00:12:32,214 --> 00:12:33,334 Speaker 7: That's the weird thing. 244 00:12:33,774 --> 00:12:36,854 Speaker 2: My dad knows not to call me that early in 245 00:12:36,894 --> 00:12:39,414 Speaker 2: the morning, Like that's a ridiculous time to call somebody, 246 00:12:40,254 --> 00:12:44,334 Speaker 2: And it just seemed like fate, divine intervention, somebody had 247 00:12:44,414 --> 00:12:47,574 Speaker 2: my back that day. I picked up the phone and 248 00:12:48,374 --> 00:12:51,614 Speaker 2: he must have heard the pain in my voice when 249 00:12:51,614 --> 00:12:54,494 Speaker 2: I answered, and he just said to me, He's like, 250 00:12:55,254 --> 00:12:57,774 Speaker 2: I just I had to call and I just wanted 251 00:12:57,814 --> 00:13:00,374 Speaker 2: to check are you okay. I haven't heard from you 252 00:13:00,454 --> 00:13:02,254 Speaker 2: in a long time. And I just couldn't get it 253 00:13:02,254 --> 00:13:05,614 Speaker 2: out of my mind. And it really shocked me. I 254 00:13:05,654 --> 00:13:09,254 Speaker 2: was like, why, now, why in this moment, at this 255 00:13:09,294 --> 00:13:12,214 Speaker 2: time of the day would he call this ask me 256 00:13:12,294 --> 00:13:15,174 Speaker 2: that we talk all the time, and he's never really 257 00:13:15,214 --> 00:13:17,934 Speaker 2: asked me that question. And I was so shocked and 258 00:13:17,974 --> 00:13:20,934 Speaker 2: I just turned around and said, no, I'm not okay, 259 00:13:21,254 --> 00:13:24,494 Speaker 2: and I don't know what to do. My dad, He's 260 00:13:25,014 --> 00:13:28,734 Speaker 2: an awesome guy. He's super lovely and kind, but we've 261 00:13:28,774 --> 00:13:31,814 Speaker 2: never really had sort of conversations about mental health that way. 262 00:13:31,974 --> 00:13:35,134 Speaker 2: And the way that he reacted in that moment, I 263 00:13:35,254 --> 00:13:38,294 Speaker 2: still today I'm so shocked. He just was so calm 264 00:13:38,294 --> 00:13:41,414 Speaker 2: and level headed, and he just said to me, you're okay. 265 00:13:41,934 --> 00:13:43,134 Speaker 7: I'm going to come and get you. 266 00:13:43,454 --> 00:13:44,934 Speaker 2: I need you to meet me out the front of 267 00:13:44,934 --> 00:13:48,294 Speaker 2: the house just ten minutes. Give me ten minutes and 268 00:13:48,334 --> 00:13:51,614 Speaker 2: I'll be there. You'll be okay. And the next moment, 269 00:13:51,774 --> 00:13:56,174 Speaker 2: I found myself twenty years old, standing on the side 270 00:13:56,174 --> 00:13:58,614 Speaker 2: of the road out the front of my house in 271 00:13:59,294 --> 00:14:02,374 Speaker 2: these old pajamas I'd been wearing for weeks. 272 00:14:03,134 --> 00:14:04,454 Speaker 5: I didn't even have shoes on. 273 00:14:04,654 --> 00:14:06,174 Speaker 2: I just had my phone in my hand and me 274 00:14:06,974 --> 00:14:10,574 Speaker 2: and his car comes pulling around the corner. He gets 275 00:14:10,614 --> 00:14:12,814 Speaker 2: out I was sitting down, pulls me up off the 276 00:14:12,814 --> 00:14:14,934 Speaker 2: side of the road, gives me a hug, puts me 277 00:14:14,934 --> 00:14:17,254 Speaker 2: in the car, and he just drives me back. 278 00:14:17,134 --> 00:14:17,734 Speaker 5: To his house. 279 00:14:22,654 --> 00:14:25,174 Speaker 1: She says the way her dad handled her at her 280 00:14:25,214 --> 00:14:29,694 Speaker 1: lowest was perfect in that moment and most probably saved 281 00:14:29,694 --> 00:14:30,414 Speaker 1: her life. 282 00:14:30,574 --> 00:14:33,014 Speaker 2: It was a quiet drive home, and when we got 283 00:14:33,054 --> 00:14:35,414 Speaker 2: in the door, he was really calm, and he just 284 00:14:35,774 --> 00:14:38,334 Speaker 2: sat me down and offered me a cup of tea 285 00:14:38,534 --> 00:14:39,934 Speaker 2: and he said, are you okay? 286 00:14:40,374 --> 00:14:41,574 Speaker 7: Would you like to talk? 287 00:14:41,654 --> 00:14:44,574 Speaker 2: You don't have to, Is there anything that I can do? 288 00:14:44,694 --> 00:14:46,534 Speaker 2: And he just said, I would like you to stay 289 00:14:46,574 --> 00:14:47,454 Speaker 2: here as long as. 290 00:14:47,374 --> 00:14:49,734 Speaker 7: You need to. And I think the more. 291 00:14:49,574 --> 00:14:52,934 Speaker 2: That I calmed down and grabbed a bit of sense 292 00:14:52,974 --> 00:14:55,654 Speaker 2: of where I was and having something to eat allowed 293 00:14:55,654 --> 00:14:57,734 Speaker 2: me to sort of think a bit clearer. And then 294 00:14:57,774 --> 00:15:00,054 Speaker 2: it was then that I opened up a little bit 295 00:15:00,094 --> 00:15:02,694 Speaker 2: more that I was really struggling with my mental health. 296 00:15:02,414 --> 00:15:04,214 Speaker 7: And I didn't know what to do. 297 00:15:04,374 --> 00:15:07,854 Speaker 6: But I never, up until this day, have told him 298 00:15:08,294 --> 00:15:10,134 Speaker 6: that I was sitting in the kitchen and what was. 299 00:15:10,134 --> 00:15:11,054 Speaker 2: Going through my head and what. 300 00:15:11,014 --> 00:15:11,814 Speaker 7: I was about to do. 301 00:15:12,174 --> 00:15:14,894 Speaker 2: So he will hear this and know the story and 302 00:15:15,454 --> 00:15:17,214 Speaker 2: know how much that phone call meant to me. 303 00:15:21,334 --> 00:15:24,094 Speaker 1: So how can you make sure that you are Shan's 304 00:15:24,134 --> 00:15:26,614 Speaker 1: dad at the right moment for that's someone in your life. 305 00:15:27,254 --> 00:15:31,094 Speaker 1: Doctor Jackie Barnfield is the executive Director of International Programs, 306 00:15:31,174 --> 00:15:35,134 Speaker 1: Quality and Research at Mental Health First Dad Australia. Jackie, 307 00:15:35,654 --> 00:15:39,254 Speaker 1: I mean, so many of us know about physical first aid, 308 00:15:39,294 --> 00:15:41,574 Speaker 1: but maybe not so many of us about mental health 309 00:15:41,574 --> 00:15:45,334 Speaker 1: first Aid. But there's an action plan called ALGAE that 310 00:15:45,374 --> 00:15:47,094 Speaker 1: we can put in place. Can you take us through 311 00:15:47,134 --> 00:15:49,134 Speaker 1: the steps that we can learn to help someone who 312 00:15:49,174 --> 00:15:50,454 Speaker 1: needs us in their worst moment? 313 00:15:50,934 --> 00:15:53,374 Speaker 5: Sure thing. I think it's really important to know, though, 314 00:15:53,374 --> 00:15:55,934 Speaker 5: But before we get into what ALGAE is, we need 315 00:15:56,014 --> 00:15:58,214 Speaker 5: to know that there's a whole heap of skills and 316 00:15:58,374 --> 00:16:02,214 Speaker 5: education that really help support the program. Not to say 317 00:16:02,254 --> 00:16:04,894 Speaker 5: that everyone can't do it, but using the ALGAE acronym 318 00:16:04,934 --> 00:16:08,894 Speaker 5: really clues in the training and makes it not simplistic, 319 00:16:08,974 --> 00:16:12,014 Speaker 5: but actually is it a framework for people to work from. 320 00:16:12,414 --> 00:16:15,414 Speaker 5: So ALGAE is really an action plan for mental health 321 00:16:15,414 --> 00:16:19,534 Speaker 5: first aid and it's really about a very simple approach 322 00:16:19,574 --> 00:16:22,454 Speaker 5: to person and you do that in a way that 323 00:16:22,894 --> 00:16:28,614 Speaker 5: is respectful, preferably picking an environment that's quiet and private. 324 00:16:28,734 --> 00:16:29,974 Speaker 5: You know, it's not something you really want to be 325 00:16:30,054 --> 00:16:33,054 Speaker 5: doing on an open train for example. However, it might 326 00:16:33,094 --> 00:16:35,894 Speaker 5: be if you are really worried about someone, particularly something 327 00:16:35,934 --> 00:16:39,814 Speaker 5: that you're witnessing that you see, so assisting the situation, 328 00:16:40,094 --> 00:16:42,294 Speaker 5: it's looking about do I really need to have a 329 00:16:42,294 --> 00:16:45,854 Speaker 5: conversation right now? And then again, assisting with any crisis, 330 00:16:46,054 --> 00:16:49,054 Speaker 5: So is the issue that's going on for them right now, 331 00:16:49,374 --> 00:16:52,774 Speaker 5: immediate and does it require some more professional supports or 332 00:16:52,814 --> 00:16:55,254 Speaker 5: is it something that you can have a conversation with 333 00:16:55,414 --> 00:16:56,974 Speaker 5: and work through in that vein. 334 00:16:57,694 --> 00:17:00,934 Speaker 1: So moving on to l this is where we listen. 335 00:17:00,734 --> 00:17:05,054 Speaker 5: Right absolutely, and listening obviously is more than just listening. 336 00:17:05,054 --> 00:17:08,374 Speaker 5: It's also hearing. So you're listening and communicating, and it's 337 00:17:08,374 --> 00:17:12,214 Speaker 5: got to be non judgment. Don't put any your own thoughts, 338 00:17:12,214 --> 00:17:14,814 Speaker 5: your own feelings about what you might think is going 339 00:17:14,854 --> 00:17:18,774 Speaker 5: on for the person. Let them tell you what's actually happening. 340 00:17:19,094 --> 00:17:22,094 Speaker 5: You know, it's really important at this stage that the 341 00:17:22,134 --> 00:17:24,894 Speaker 5: person feels respected and then they feel heard. Don't be 342 00:17:24,934 --> 00:17:27,774 Speaker 5: dismissive and don't be flippant about what it is, because 343 00:17:28,254 --> 00:17:31,054 Speaker 5: you know, people are the experts of their own experience. 344 00:17:31,174 --> 00:17:33,454 Speaker 5: We don't know and we can't interpret what's really going 345 00:17:33,454 --> 00:17:35,774 Speaker 5: on for them, so it's often the time where they 346 00:17:35,814 --> 00:17:39,454 Speaker 5: need to tell their own story. It's not completely one sided. Obviously, 347 00:17:39,454 --> 00:17:41,814 Speaker 5: there might be threads that you might draw out. It's 348 00:17:41,814 --> 00:17:44,814 Speaker 5: a conversation. It's not therapy. It's not anything that needs 349 00:17:44,814 --> 00:17:47,454 Speaker 5: to be more than that. It's really about just listening 350 00:17:47,454 --> 00:17:48,334 Speaker 5: and communicating. 351 00:17:48,934 --> 00:17:51,854 Speaker 1: G is our next in our mental health first aid 352 00:17:51,894 --> 00:17:53,734 Speaker 1: action plan, which is giving support. 353 00:17:54,494 --> 00:17:57,214 Speaker 5: So giving support again, it flows on pretty much from 354 00:17:57,254 --> 00:18:01,534 Speaker 5: the listening aspect. If people feel heard, they're going to 355 00:18:01,574 --> 00:18:04,854 Speaker 5: be able to be more willing to accept information, be 356 00:18:04,894 --> 00:18:07,574 Speaker 5: able to know that the information that you're giving makes 357 00:18:07,614 --> 00:18:10,334 Speaker 5: sense to the story. So it could be a simple 358 00:18:10,414 --> 00:18:13,654 Speaker 5: thing of saying you're not alone. There are other people 359 00:18:13,654 --> 00:18:16,734 Speaker 5: in the world that experience mental health problems. But it's 360 00:18:16,774 --> 00:18:19,734 Speaker 5: not the end. There is hope out there for people. 361 00:18:20,574 --> 00:18:23,894 Speaker 5: Are you safe right now? What's going on? Do you 362 00:18:23,974 --> 00:18:26,734 Speaker 5: need to think about other options that might keep the 363 00:18:26,774 --> 00:18:32,614 Speaker 5: person well. It's also an opportunity to potentially provide resources 364 00:18:32,654 --> 00:18:36,174 Speaker 5: such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue. They're all amazing resources that 365 00:18:36,254 --> 00:18:38,894 Speaker 5: they're out there and resources that people can get access 366 00:18:38,934 --> 00:18:42,654 Speaker 5: to right now. That the important message in this component 367 00:18:42,814 --> 00:18:46,414 Speaker 5: is giving them hope and helping them to see that 368 00:18:46,454 --> 00:18:47,534 Speaker 5: this hope of recovery. 369 00:18:47,854 --> 00:18:50,494 Speaker 1: There are two eas that end off this Y acronym. 370 00:18:50,534 --> 00:18:53,134 Speaker 1: The first is to encourage professional help, which I think 371 00:18:53,214 --> 00:18:55,574 Speaker 1: is something that people struggle with a little bit as 372 00:18:55,614 --> 00:18:59,014 Speaker 1: to where to direct somebody to to get that professional assistance. 373 00:18:59,574 --> 00:19:02,574 Speaker 5: First, put a call for anyone if it's available. GPS. 374 00:19:02,654 --> 00:19:05,694 Speaker 5: GPS a great support because they've got great networks in 375 00:19:05,734 --> 00:19:10,094 Speaker 5: the community. Now, obviously there are limitations to what sources 376 00:19:10,134 --> 00:19:13,134 Speaker 5: gps will have, but they are often able to refer 377 00:19:13,214 --> 00:19:16,054 Speaker 5: to specialists. There are also specialists that are in the 378 00:19:16,094 --> 00:19:21,934 Speaker 5: community that people can get access to. There could be psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, 379 00:19:21,974 --> 00:19:26,174 Speaker 5: depending on what actually is required. There's also the Medicare 380 00:19:26,614 --> 00:19:28,574 Speaker 5: locals that have been set up and some of the 381 00:19:28,614 --> 00:19:32,054 Speaker 5: head to health programs that have been currently rebadged or 382 00:19:32,094 --> 00:19:36,094 Speaker 5: renamed as the Walking centers. So there's some amazing community 383 00:19:36,134 --> 00:19:39,654 Speaker 5: resources that have been funded and are available for people. 384 00:19:39,974 --> 00:19:43,334 Speaker 5: Unfortunately or fortunately. If you've got someone who's going through 385 00:19:43,334 --> 00:19:46,694 Speaker 5: an Algae program or an Algae Action plan with you, 386 00:19:46,694 --> 00:19:48,974 Speaker 5: you know you're walking at journey alongside some months, so 387 00:19:49,574 --> 00:19:53,014 Speaker 5: whatever's local to the community is relevant to that person. 388 00:19:53,534 --> 00:19:56,174 Speaker 1: Now, the final e is when you've kind of touched 389 00:19:56,174 --> 00:19:58,894 Speaker 1: on which is encouraging other supports, which can also include 390 00:19:58,934 --> 00:20:01,294 Speaker 1: things like self care because sometimes people who are in 391 00:20:01,294 --> 00:20:04,174 Speaker 1: that situation might not be taking such great care of themselves. 392 00:20:04,734 --> 00:20:08,414 Speaker 5: Absolutely and looking after yourself. It goes both ways. This 393 00:20:08,534 --> 00:20:11,574 Speaker 5: actually works for both size in the action plan because 394 00:20:11,614 --> 00:20:14,334 Speaker 5: sometimes you know you want to help someone, but you yourself, 395 00:20:14,374 --> 00:20:16,734 Speaker 5: aren't really sure if you're able to because you might 396 00:20:16,774 --> 00:20:19,174 Speaker 5: have your own vulnerabilities about your own mental health. So 397 00:20:19,774 --> 00:20:22,654 Speaker 5: what wellbeing strategies And it's always important that you think 398 00:20:22,654 --> 00:20:25,814 Speaker 5: about wellbeing strategies when you're well, before you are vulnerable. 399 00:20:26,214 --> 00:20:29,974 Speaker 5: People talk about there's another word exercise as being a 400 00:20:30,054 --> 00:20:32,654 Speaker 5: great leveler. But it's great for mental health because I 401 00:20:32,694 --> 00:20:35,494 Speaker 5: get yourwen doorphins going. Not everyone loves it, but you know, 402 00:20:35,534 --> 00:20:37,054 Speaker 5: it could be a walk. It doesn't have to be 403 00:20:37,054 --> 00:20:38,774 Speaker 5: a long walk. It could be getting out in the 404 00:20:38,774 --> 00:20:40,534 Speaker 5: fresh air. It might not be getting at the fresh air. 405 00:20:40,534 --> 00:20:42,654 Speaker 5: It might be just going on the treadmill. It could 406 00:20:42,774 --> 00:20:47,534 Speaker 5: just be sitting and being in your own space. Others 407 00:20:47,534 --> 00:20:50,054 Speaker 5: do yoga, things that you can do to connect with 408 00:20:50,094 --> 00:20:54,694 Speaker 5: other people's really important. Social connections are vital with social beings. 409 00:20:55,014 --> 00:20:57,694 Speaker 5: There's a whole range of stuff. Whatever works for you 410 00:20:57,814 --> 00:21:00,214 Speaker 5: is really what's important when you're thinking about self care. 411 00:21:02,654 --> 00:21:04,894 Speaker 1: Sean says she wants people to know that the person 412 00:21:04,974 --> 00:21:07,694 Speaker 1: you ask if they're okay isn't going to be angry 413 00:21:07,694 --> 00:21:09,854 Speaker 1: with you for reaching out, even if it might that 414 00:21:09,894 --> 00:21:10,774 Speaker 1: way at the time. 415 00:21:11,254 --> 00:21:14,174 Speaker 2: Asking someone are you okay might be a bit daunting 416 00:21:14,454 --> 00:21:17,614 Speaker 2: and I think you can learn other ways to have 417 00:21:17,654 --> 00:21:19,894 Speaker 2: that conversation. It can come in the form of, how 418 00:21:19,894 --> 00:21:22,014 Speaker 2: are you feeling this morning? What's been going on? 419 00:21:22,534 --> 00:21:23,614 Speaker 5: Oh, I've just noticed. 420 00:21:23,334 --> 00:21:24,254 Speaker 2: You've been a bit down. 421 00:21:24,774 --> 00:21:26,654 Speaker 7: Do you want to talk about it? It doesn't have 422 00:21:26,694 --> 00:21:27,734 Speaker 7: to be are you okay? 423 00:21:27,934 --> 00:21:32,414 Speaker 2: It can just be being present, showing up, acknowledging how 424 00:21:32,454 --> 00:21:35,574 Speaker 2: somebody feels, and if they don't want to talk. 425 00:21:36,014 --> 00:21:36,934 Speaker 7: You can respect that. 426 00:21:37,174 --> 00:21:39,294 Speaker 2: But I just think there's absolutely no harm in just 427 00:21:39,414 --> 00:21:42,334 Speaker 2: asking anybody if they need a moment with you. 428 00:21:43,374 --> 00:21:46,374 Speaker 1: Just finally, you mentioned that you haven't had this conversation 429 00:21:46,414 --> 00:21:48,254 Speaker 1: with your dad about what happened that day, and he 430 00:21:48,334 --> 00:21:50,894 Speaker 1: might just be listening to this right now. What do 431 00:21:50,934 --> 00:21:54,174 Speaker 1: you want him to know about that phone call, that 432 00:21:54,254 --> 00:21:57,174 Speaker 1: moment and how it helps set you on the path 433 00:21:57,254 --> 00:21:58,614 Speaker 1: to where you are now. 434 00:22:00,574 --> 00:22:03,374 Speaker 2: I'm getting a bit emotional as I talk about it 435 00:22:03,534 --> 00:22:07,654 Speaker 2: and knowing that him might be sitting here listening. Firstly, 436 00:22:07,774 --> 00:22:14,174 Speaker 2: thank you your rand act of kindness and love saved 437 00:22:14,254 --> 00:22:19,134 Speaker 2: my life and reminded me that I have a beautiful 438 00:22:19,254 --> 00:22:24,454 Speaker 2: family and support network that love me unconditionally. I owe 439 00:22:24,574 --> 00:22:28,134 Speaker 2: him everything. Everything that I am today, the life that 440 00:22:28,174 --> 00:22:32,094 Speaker 2: I have today is because of him and my other 441 00:22:32,134 --> 00:22:35,574 Speaker 2: friends and other family and other support networks. I still 442 00:22:35,614 --> 00:22:37,414 Speaker 2: reach out to him every day when I need to. 443 00:22:38,174 --> 00:22:42,614 Speaker 2: It has allowed me to follow my passion to help others. 444 00:22:43,294 --> 00:22:47,374 Speaker 2: So now I talk about this openly on TikTok, and 445 00:22:47,774 --> 00:22:51,294 Speaker 2: I don't feel scared and ashamed and guilty to show 446 00:22:51,854 --> 00:22:55,774 Speaker 2: the dark parts of myself and my mental health if 447 00:22:55,774 --> 00:22:58,334 Speaker 2: it means that other people feel like they have somebody 448 00:22:58,334 --> 00:23:00,374 Speaker 2: in their corner the way that I did on that 449 00:23:00,494 --> 00:23:03,694 Speaker 2: day when my dad called. I owe him everything that 450 00:23:03,774 --> 00:23:05,934 Speaker 2: I am today and I love him endlessly. 451 00:23:09,134 --> 00:23:12,214 Speaker 1: Thanks spending some time with us today. If you aren't okay, 452 00:23:12,654 --> 00:23:15,054 Speaker 1: please reach out to the team at Lifeline. They're there 453 00:23:15,094 --> 00:23:18,214 Speaker 1: to help you right now. On thirteen eleven fourteen, all 454 00:23:18,254 --> 00:23:20,854 Speaker 1: your friends are beyond blue on one three hundred double 455 00:23:20,894 --> 00:23:23,414 Speaker 1: two four six three six. We're also going to put 456 00:23:23,414 --> 00:23:25,854 Speaker 1: the links to their online portals in our show notes, 457 00:23:25,974 --> 00:23:27,694 Speaker 1: as well as the link to the mental health first 458 00:23:27,694 --> 00:23:29,974 Speaker 1: aid course as you just heard about, if you're keen 459 00:23:30,014 --> 00:23:32,054 Speaker 1: to get those skills under your belt to help to 460 00:23:33,134 --> 00:23:35,694 Speaker 1: the Quickie is produced by me Claire Murphy and our 461 00:23:35,734 --> 00:23:39,134 Speaker 1: senior producer, Taylor Strano, with audio production by Tom Lyon