Matt O’Donoghue

Before you put your hand in your pocket, put your hand on someone's shoulder

This October, I'm taking One Foot Forward again for mental health.

150km. A $2,000 fundraising goal. But this year, I want to set myself another goal that can't be measured in kilometres or dollars.

I want to get people talking.

I've had my own battles with mental health over the years. I've been to some pretty low places. But I'm fortunate that today I'm comfortable talking about those experiences. I'm not embarrassed by them and I don't hide them. If talking openly about the things I've been through makes it easier for somebody else to speak up, then I'll keep talking, because I know there are plenty of people who aren't ready to.

People who are struggling quietly, people who turn up to work every morning, laugh with their mates, look after their families and ask everybody else how they're going — while nobody thinks to ask them.

So I'm going to ask something a little different this year.

Before you put your hand in your pocket, put your hand on someone's shoulder.

A donation to my One Foot Forward page would mean a lot to me, and every dollar helps Black Dog Institute continue the incredible work they do. But you don't have to donate money to make a difference.

* Send someone a message.

* Tell someone you're proud of them.

* Tell your mate you love them.

* Give somebody an unexpected compliment.

* Check on the person who always seems to be checking on everybody else.

* And if somebody tells you they're struggling, don't worry about having the perfect thing to say, just listen. Sometimes people don't need you to fix them, they just need to know that somebody actually gives a sh*t.

So that's what I want my 150km to be about this year. Yes, I'd love to raise $2,000, but more than that, I'd love to see a few more conversations happen that otherwise wouldn't have.

And if you can't donate? That's completely okay. Go and make someone's day a little better instead.

💙💙💙