Day 254 | The Importance of a ‘Spud’
Day 254 | The Importance of a ‘Spud’
I’m not talking about jacket potatoes either, although they are delicious.
With all the news about the tragic death of Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley, the topic of suicide comes right up to the surface. What used to be a taboo subject has over the last few years now turned into something we can all talk about, and talk about it we should.
I’d like to think I’m a pretty strong person. Quite black and white, and I can usually push myself to the limits with pressure and stress. Lucky for me I have some amazing people around me that check in and know the signs of when I’m taking on too much. I’m also grateful for my wife who only recently text a good mate of mine in Melb to get him to ‘check on me’ because I was working too hard and she thought he might get through to me. He did and I made some adjustments.
This is the CEO of Choose Life Services here in Tasmania. This lady is a trailblazer, a guiding light and a leader. What she has done over the years in the suicide prevention and postvention space is phenomenal. She also just happens to be my mother, Louise Leslie. One of her favourite things to say is that she can’t wait for the day when she’s out of a job. Sadly, we are a fair way from that.
So, do me a favour while it’s all so fresh in our heads and prominent in the media. Don’t wait for RuOk Day to ask questions of your loved ones. Give them a random call, a thoughtful text and extend the invite for a catch-up cuppa. It might be just what they need, and at the exact time they need it.