Youth told it's OK to talk, get help

World Suicide Prevention Week kicked off yesterday with a series of roadshows across Bunbury featuring local role models who have personal experiences with mental illness, to encourage others to open up and seek help.

The first World Suicide Prevention roadshow was held at Bunbury Senior High School for about 150 Year 9 and 10 students.

One Life Suicide Prevention community coordinator Melody Birrell said students were more willing to hear the message at that age.

‘‘It’s the age when their frontal lobe is developing, and we’re trying to teach them about making informed decisions,’’ Ms Birrell said.

‘‘They’re still going to listen to adults and people that they admire and hear positive message from them about how you can save a life and make a difference.’’

The roadshows aim to raise awareness about depression, identify the mental health needs of the community and inform people, especially males, of the importance of communication.

Ms Birrell said she had seen exceptional growth in events such as RU OK Day — this Thursday — in her 15 years working in mental health.

‘‘The message is getting out there that communication is the key to making change in our community,’’ she said.

Hot FM breakfast presenter Heidi Anderson, who spoke at the event, said her personal experiences with suicide made her see the importance of talking about emotions.

‘‘My brother was suicidal for three years, but he was helped because he opened up — it saved his life,’’ Miss Anderson said.

‘‘Suicide is something that should be talked about more. If we say it’s OK to talk, then we’ve got the message out there and made people aware.

‘‘If the students can talk to someone — their mate or a teacher — they need to know it will be taken in the right direction.’’

For more information visit www.onelifewa.com.au.