By Eleanor Wilson
Maryknoll resident Rebecca Bishop has been continuing her mental health awareness crusade, one step at a time.
The R U OK? ambassador spent October tackling Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward challenge for the fourth time, walking several kilometres each day to raise awareness for the one in five Australians who experience a mental health illness every year.
The lawyer, mum and business owner then took on Smiling Mind’s Walk For Kids’ Mental Health, walking 21 minutes each day to raise awareness and funds for vital mental health programs in primary schools.
“Particularly since Covid, I don’t think there has been enough focus on kids’ mental health,” Mrs Bishop said.
“I know a lot of children who’ve struggled with school attendance and who’ve struggled with their mental wellbeing since Covid.
“It was a very confusing, conflicting time and I’m really passionate about the importance of looking after your mental health.”
Rebecca has been advocating for mental health since 2019, almost 14 years after a serious car accident nearly claimed her life, leaving her with severe depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“After the accident, I fully just existed in a little bubble and was very protective of my space,” she said.
“At first I didn’t talk about myself at all, I just tried to bring mental health to the forefront of the conversation.”
To find out more about Smiling Mind’s Walk For Kids’ Mental Health, head to walkforkidsmentalhealth.org.au
If you are in need of assistance, talk to your local GP or health professional, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au
