https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/cyclone-yasi-tore-him-down-but-he-picked-himself-u/3901598/
DESPITE establishing a successful business, Raj Sharma’s experiences have taught him isolation can affect anyone — regardless of their standing in life. In 2011, Mackay’s Roshni Indian Restaurant owner had a restaurant in Cairns, which was destroyed by Cyclone Yasi. Without cyclone insurance he was left with $17 to his name and an uphill battle to make a name for himself in the business world. Even last year, seven years after re-establishing his venture, he went through a period of self doubt. It was a lonely feeling, he said, and made him appreciate that anyone can suffer, no matter what position in life they are in.
0 Comments
https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/12-months-on-the-impacts-of-the-fires-remain/3900814/
THE enormity of the long-term impacts of the 2018 Eungella bushfires were not felt immediately. For Ian Wright, it was 12 months on that the events really sank in. Once luscious properties of the Pioneer Valley residents remain burned and charred, a constant reminder of the catastrophic ordeal they endured. When he looks out and sees the sustained impact, he relives the nightmare. "As we were leaving my place, when the fire came through, we left here and I thought I'd lost my wife," Mr Wright said. "The car had disappeared in a big ball of flames at the gate. I was driving through flames all the way down the road. "I know myself that sometimes it all comes rushing back to you, because you've got no one to talk about it with … and it can become emotional." https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/mental-health-spike-challenges-emergency-services/3900111/
WHEN an emergency service responder goes to a job, they are aware a confronting scene may await them. Sometimes, all the preparation in the world can’t prepare them for the impact it could have. A job for Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay skipper Charles Linsley and his crew can quickly change from a search and rescue to a recovery mission. With that comes traumatic and heartbreaking scenes. Mr Linsley has openly discussed his own mental health challenges in the past, and uses his lived experiences to educate emergency responders on managing their welfare. But sometimes preparation for what may confront them is not enough. What Mr Linsley says is important is for people to know their feelings are normal and need to be discussed. The challenge is also in getting someone “back on the vessel”. https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/veterans-toughest-battle-came-after-the-gunfire-ce/3899046/
PETER Zigmantas's path to the military was a tumultuous one. His childhood had its challenges as his father, a World War II veteran, "battled the bottle hard" and "had his own demons". He suffered from his own encounters with alcohol and drug use as a teenager as well. But with the army, the man affectionately known as 'Ziggy' found a brotherhood. "I pretty much joined the army to get away from that life and start all over again. A lot of the guys I joined with were exactly the same," Mr Zigmantas said. "It was like that Peter Pan story - the island of the lost boys - all these lads coming together and basically starting a new family. "We just have the utmost trust in our fellow soldier and mate. (But) then when you leave … it can be a very isolating experience." https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/how-confronting-the-past-inspired-an-artist/3898225/
THE artwork on Chelsea Claydon's right hand paints the picture of her journey, where she is at and where she wants to be. A butterfly represents how life may start off ugly but it's forever changing and can be beautiful. The word 'inspire' is a message to keep going - "the smallest bit of inspiration can come from anywhere". And the semi colon, rather than a full stop, reminds her 'keep going and don't stop, you have a story to tell'. Miss Claydon's art has been a powerful coping mechanism for her mental health and the trauma of her past - which for her privacy we will not disclose. Her mum's work in disability services resonated with the 22 year old, and her creative flare has enabled her to turn negative thoughts and emotions into a blossoming career. https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/we-are-in-a-position-where-we-can-make-a-differenc/3897565/
THERE is one former client Gail Westcott says has stayed with her. It was years ago, she said, but the memories remain ingrained. It was just before one Christmas when the Sarina Hair Fashions owner noticed the change in her client's behaviour. The woman had gone from a once cheerful, bubbly person to sad, depressed and completely lost. She had become involved in an extremely abusive relationship. Less than two weeks after visiting the salon, Ms Westcott found out the worst had happened. https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/you-feel-no-joy-no-happiness-no-love/3896615/
THIS will be Marilyn Wright's third Christmas without her son. Every year since her Philip died from a brain aneurysm has brought with it a harder holiday season. Christmas was already a difficult time. Her brother, who she named her son after, died in a car accident December 1998 and his funeral was held on Christmas Eve. When Philip was born December 25, 2005 she began to celebrate Christmas again. But, after the heartbreak 2016 brought, the season is a harsh reminder of the loss she has mourned. https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/the-16-warning-signs-of-suicide-and-mental-illness/3896516/
FRANK Cowell will be doing a lot more than unwrapping presents this Christmas. He will be ensuring those in his life struggling with isolation are cared for. Christmas is traditionally a time for family, but many people will be deprived of that for a host of heartbreaking reasons. Whether it be a recent marriage separation or ugly family disputes that have kept them from their families, the Shed Happens convener appreciates the festive season can be a confronting time for many. "Those people who have separated, it takes a year to get an agreed divorce and they go through that whole year wondering what's going to happen," Mr Cowell said. |
AuthorWith instances of suicide and mental illness increasing at Christmas time, I pitched a series of a page each day for a week covering a variety of mental health issues ArchivesCategories |