CAUSE CLOSE TO THE HEART: Conversations that could save a life

This story mentions suicide and may be triggering for some readers...

Potentially lifesaving mental health educational sessions are being offered to local residents, led by Langhorne Creek’s Viv Maher who has a tragic connection to the cause.

Becoming an impassioned Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor was an unpredictable path for Ms Maher a decade ago who previously knew little about the topic.

But, that all changed nine years ago when her 16-year-old son, Kieren, was diagnosed with a severe mental illness.

Four months later, Kieren suicided, leaving everyone who knew him “shocked and devastated”.

“As you can imagine, the life that I once knew fell apart,” Ms Maher said.

She was later diagnosed with mental illness, and discovered a gap in others’ knowledge and “massive stigma” on the topic and suicide.

“Both Kieren and myself were judged harshly because of our illnesses,” Ms Maher said.

“If we had diabetes or high blood pressure… would we have been judged the same way?

“With help, such as therapy, medication or exercise, you can live a ‘normal’ life with a mental illness – as you can with a physical illness.”

As part of her healing process, Ms Maher was driven to educate herself and those around her.

“Mental health problems are just as serious as physical health problems and should be treated with the same respect,” she said.

“Anyone can have a conversation that may save a life.

“Everyone should know how to have these conversations.”

Those potentially lifesaving conversation skills will be discussed at upcoming MHFA courses led by Ms Maher, offering education around early-intervention support until professional help is received.

Ms Maher believes the training helps break down barriers and stigma, and build connected relationships and confidence to support others, enabling them comfortability to ask for help when they need it.

The upcoming two-day courses are free, thanks to grants from Strathalbyn & Communities Suicide Prevention Network and the Milang Old School House Community Centre (MOSHCC).

MOSHCC, Alexandrina Council and Strathalbyn’s Catholic Church also provided venues for free.

Later this year, Ms Maher plans to become accredited to work with teenagers, with one of her biggest goals to help them “live a healthy, positive life”.

Free mental health first aid courses will run at MOSHCC, on Wednesday and Thursday, April 19 and 20, Strathalbyn Library across two Saturdays, April 22 and 29, and Strathalbyn’s Catholic Church Hall, on Tuesday, May 2, and Friday, May 5.

Bookings are essential by emailing: (trainingwithvkb@gmail.com).

Supporting others

While mental health is becoming more openly discussed, many people may struggle to know what to say or how to support others.

“Opening up a conversation can help people to see alternative ways out of their situation,” Ms Maher said.

“It can make people feel safer discussing their problems with you as they may feel you have a better understanding than most and that you are a safe person for them to talk to without being judged.”

If you believe someone is mentally unwell, Ms Maher recommends asking them directly before listening without judgement.

“Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say – listening to them and showing sympathy is all someone could need to get through their bad day,” she said.

“Getting someone to act on their mental health can be challenging, even with encouragement.

“However, if you are speaking to someone suffering, your encouragement will be the best thing.”

Suggestions include offering to sit with the person while they call a GP or helpline, or talking to them about participating in activities or hobbies that distract them from their emotions.

By providing them with a way to maintain their mental health and wellbeing, Ms Maher said they can “help themselves on the road to recovery”.