CROWD campaigns on Facebook range from the amusing to the charitable – and the latest one sweeping the social media platform in Australia shines the spotlight on depression among young men.
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Like the ‘ice bucket challenge’ to raise awareness for motor neuron disease, the new campaign asks people to endorse a mostly generic message – this time encouraging young males to talk with someone if they are not feeling ‘okay’.
To participate, users take a ‘selfie’ and give the ‘okay’ sign with their hand – and the campaign has captured the support of young men across the Nambucca, with scores of people, from tradies to students, posting online.
While some supporters add personal thoughts, many of the messages include the following script:
“Speak to your mates, there is no reason to deal with things on your own. All it can take is a conversation to help deal with whatever you are going through. A problem shared is a problem halved. #itaintweaktospeak
The single biggest killer of men aged under 45 is suicide. In 2014, 4623 took their own life. That's 12 men every day, 1 man every two hours! 41% of men who contemplated suicide felt they could not talk about their feelings.
Only 20% of people know that suicide is the most likely cause of death for men age under 45.
Let's show men across the world that #ITSOKAYTOTALK and take a selfie with the 👌 tag 5 friends and let's get the word.”
If you or someone you know is having difficulties, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
