Push up campaign shines a light on mental health

headspace Mount Gambier is encouraging Limestone Coast locals to push for better mental health by participating in Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge, which kicks off next month.

Participants will take on 3249 push-ups across 24 days in June, putting the spotlight on the tragic number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022.

Thousands of Australians across all ages and walks of life participate in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education.

headspace Mount Gambier centre manager Tasja Barelds said the Push-Up Challenge was a great opportunity for Australians to talk about their mental health, learn how to best support each other and recognise when they might need to put their own hand up for help.

“We know The Push-Up Challenge is going to be a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to connecting with our local community throughout June,” she said.

“headspace is proud to be trusted by young people and their families in Mount Gambier, and the funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge will help us continue to support their mental health and wellbeing.”.

From June 5 to 28, participants of all ages and abilities will do push-ups while learning about mental health, with the number of daily push-ups changing to reflect a vital mental health fact.

And if completing 3249 push-ups feels out of reach, participants can set their own push-up goal, which can also be done as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises, with progress tracked through a dedicated app.

The Push-Up Challenge founder Nick Hudson said the Push-Up Challenge was a great way to get fit, connect with your community and learn about mental health, all while honouring lives tragically lost to suicide.”

“It’s likely everyone will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, so by getting down, pushing up and learning about mental health, we hope to break down the stigma attached to mental illness so that Australians don’t think twice about reaching out for help,” Nick said.

headspace Mount Gambier is encouraging people of all ages, local businesses, gyms, clubs and schools in the area to join team headspace Mount Gambier.

Ms Barelds said occasions like The Push Up Challenge were a good reminder to continue to have important conversations about mental health with your friends and family, whilst getting some exercise in, which has great benefits for your mental and physical health.

“This challenge is adaptable for people to complete different exercises other than push ups and people can compete in teams to achieve the daily target or by themselves,” she said.

The Push-Up Challenge is a free event, and you can register as an individual, a team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym or school involved at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au

Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends, can visit headspace Mount Gambier for support. Help is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.