Community ready to rally in support of mental health

TOMORROW members of the community will be walking at Lake Wendouree to shine a light on positive mental health and wellbeing.

Walking off the War Within is an initiative which was started by Nathan Shanahan, a returned soldier and firefighter who walked from Mildura to Adelaide in 2015 to raise awareness about PTSD and depression.

In 2016 Nathan took his own life and his father John Shanahan is continuing to support his legacy by replicating the walk Nathan took and shining a light on mental health.

“He was a St Pat’s boy and did a big walk from Mildura to Adelaide in full army gear in 10 days to raise awareness for mental health,” said Mr Shanahan.

“That’s where Walking off the War Within started from because he felt he had a war going in within his own mind.

“To see your own son like that just ripped our hearts out.”

The course will be two kilometres and all members of the community are invited to join.

Entry is free or by a donation of $10 or $25 with proceeds donated to a local charity which works in the mental health and suicide prevention space.

Mr Shanahan said suicide is a significant issue in Ballarat which has not improved since Nathan’s death.

“Ballarat has the highest suicide rate of any place in Australia,” he said. “When Nath died, suicide was running at six a day in Australia, it’s now running at seven a day in Australia.

“It is an unbelievably rapid increase and we need very robust discussion.”

It is hoped the walk will encourage the community to talk openly about these issues.

“We’re reaching out to make people aware and to make people comfortable to talk about mental health and suicide,” said Mr Shanahan.

“We’ve got to be compassionate because the old theory of get over it or be a man is not right.”’

Walking off the War Within will take place on Saturday 7 October from 8am at Lake Wendouree starting near the adventure playground.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.