SOCIAL media often gets a bad rap as the conduit for cyber bullying, but men from around the region have rallied on Facebook to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
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If you’ve been on Facebook recently, there’s a good chance you would have seen one of your male friends posing for a selfie with the okay hand sign, letting their friends know “it’s OK to talk”.
Tamworth solicitor Doug Biffin and his mates have got behind the mental health awareness drive.
“It’s something close to our hearts, with our mate Scotty Campbell who lost his battle with depression,” Mr Biffin said.
He said it was remarkable the traction the simple online gesture has gained.
“I think it’s so refreshing to see people who are reasonably quite and shy pop up in my newsfeed getting behind the cause,” he said.
The campaign is complemented with a call to action for men to tag their friends and encourage them to post their own selfie. Mr Biffin said the stigma is being lifted and acknowledged social media’s power being used for good.
“It’s good to see social media being used for a positive, because it is something that does cause grief too,” he said.
“[The campaign] will be a phase that comes and goes, but every bit that helps counts.
“If it reaches one person and encourages them to get some support, then it’s well worth it.”
Anglicare Northern Inland chief executive officer Veroncia Rodenburg said the campaign had a “great impact”.
“The service sector is always working on how we could do things better,” Mrs Rodenburg said.
“We can’t underestimate the power of social media. It can offer instant support which can be used.”
Mrs Rodenburg said it was crucial to have little inventions such as this campaign.
“When people do seek help, often it’s too late. This online campaign is a reminder that may cause them to seek help,” she said.
- If you have posted a selfie as part of the ‘it’s okay to talk’ campaign, forward it to The Leader at mail.ndl@fairfaxmedia.com.au and we’ll share it online.