UIOK 27: Helping out a mate with Mike Ravenwood

In the 2012/2013 New Zealand health Survey 1 in 6 Kiwi adults had been diagnosed with a common mental disorder at some times in their life. Chances are if it isn’t you then someone that you know well has suffered from or is currently struggling with their mental health. This isn’t a topic that we tend to talk about as a society, it’s something that makes the vast majority of us uncomfortable to speak about. This desperately needs to change. We need to build a movement where people feel confident to have courageous conversations about what’s going on for them, and for their loved ones to listen without judging and to help them find the support they need

This is the Uncomfortable is OK podcast today is episode 27 and I’m speaking with my mate Mike Ravenwood. Mike reached out to me after learning someone close to him had been suffering from anxiety and depression which had led to substance abuse issues. Mike is embarking on a challenge to raise awareness for this issue and also raise funds to support his friend in getting the help that they need. Thanks Mike for stepping out of your comfort zone and having this conversation with me, hopefully it inspires others to do the same.

Today is a conversation about asking for help and receiving help from your friends and loved ones, it’s about trying to understand what people are going through and not being afraid to talk about the hard stuff. If you’re struggling please ask someone for help, if someone you know is struggling please offer them help. If you don’t know where to go for help there are a list of numbers in the show notes of support organisations you can talk to. Make sure to share this out with everyone because we can all help in some way. Thanks for getting uncomfortable with us today.

Mike's GoFundMe page

Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757 to talk to a trained counsellor
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline - 0800 376 633. Text 234 free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected]
Healthline - 0800 611 116