FOR something that affects so many people, those battling depression often feel incredibly alone.
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However, as one man’s moving story of his own battle with depression showed, something as simple as sharing your problems with another can be a desperately needed lifeline.
Ambassador for R U OK? Day and Channel 10’s The Living Room host Barry Du Bois shared his own struggles with depression with Griffith students on Wednesday to help them understand the importance of speaking with one another about their problems.
Mr Du Bois’ visit coincided with the unveiling of two ‘buddy benches’ installed at Griffith East Public School thanks to money raised by the Griffith R U OK? breakfast committee.
“I’m a successful, big, strong man and there was a point in my life where things were pretty dark and if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone,” Mr Du Bois said to the students.
“There shouldn’t be a stigma attached to depression, we all have weird families and we all have little problems.”
Mr Du Bois encouraged the students to be there for one another saying the bench was not only for those who were feeling down.
“If you want to chat to someone you can sit there,” he said.
“But it’s not just for lonely people, if you’re feeling happy you can sit there and maybe someone who is lonely will come over and sit beside you.
“Don’t leave the onus on the person who needs to chat.
“I know from experience when you get a little dark it can be hard to seek help because you don’t want to seem weak, but when you finally start to talk, that’s the only thing that will fix what you are going through, you will finish up thinking ‘that wasn’t so bad’.”
Mr Du Bois said the message was an important one for all students regardless of their age. “Kids of a primary school age can take a lot on themselves, they might her mum and dad talking about the gas bill and sounding stressed and then they worry about it as well,” he said.
“It’s very important to let them know that life is good and if you do see a change in a young child ask them if they are okay.
“Things like these benches create a great culture in the community and hopefully we can move to all culture where we all keep asking each other if we are all okay – this can do so much good in a community.”
Principal of Griffith East Andrew Pryor said the benches would promote student well-being and that he had no doubt they would be a great addition to his school.
“It just gives them a space if they’re feeling like they need to talk about something,” he said.
