By Ethan Benedicto
For two years, Cranbourne North resident Rachel Lee has been participating in the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward, helping to raise awareness of Australians suffering from mental illness.
After the passing of her best friend Daniel Stone in 2021, Rachel was plunged into a deep state of grief, not knowing what to do with herself.
It was after finding One Foot Forward on Facebook that Rachel had found some purpose, an outlet for the grief that she had been harbouring.
“It helped me really channel all that loss and emotion that I didn’t know what to do with, into something quite positive,” she said.
Bringing together participants from across the country, the event, which takes place over the course of Mental Health Month throughout October, has seen more than 20,000 signatures as of late, with people walking, running or rolling 40, 60, 100 or 150 kilometres throughout October.
According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five Australians experience mental illness each year, which means that more than five million people are personally affected.
With 1167 teams taking part in the challenge, and 580 workplaces advocating for the cause, more than $1.3 million has been raised for support towards new mental health treatment, education, and digital services.
Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year would assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.
On a more personal level, its effects on Rachel’s mental health have been more than welcome.
“Often on those days when it was very challenging, it can be really hard to do what you need to do and keep yourself going,” she said.
While it had been difficult for her to initially begin the regular routine, she soon found herself immersed in it.
“Walking around nature was something that helped me, initially I was just able to find a focus for my loss,” Rachel said.
“It was on those days that I’d make a little deal with myself, instead of just walking for a few minutes, I’d often find that I’ve walked a whole lot further and lose that mental shadow that had been distracting me.”
Now, Rachel is at a stage of acceptance, not just of Daniel’s passing, but also her mental state.
A large part of this is due to her participation in helping others, with the knowledge that her walks brought exposure to the widespread issue of mental illness, giving her a sense of purpose.
Joining Rachel for some of her walks are South Eastern Metropolitan MP David Limbrick and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny.
“I’m focusing on how I’m helping and raising awareness for a community of like-minded people, but also for those in Daniel’s position who may not realise that there are other options available,” Rachel said.
According to the Black Dog Institute, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44.
In addition, more than 60 per cent of people living with mental illness will not seek help.
In 2022, more than 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled more than two million kilometres during Mental Health Month, raising funds to help Black Dog Institute put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.
Black Dog Institute fundraising head Evan Jackson said the challenge was a positive way to show Australians impacted by mental illness that they are not alone.
“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health,” he said.
“You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.
“This national virtual event is a great team building exercise for colleagues, can increase staff morale and help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace.”
Research from the Australian Psychological Society’s healthcare index survey in 2022 showed almost two-thirds of patients had to wait roughly more than 12 weeks to receive care.
Rachel said that traditional support hadn’t always worked for Daniel and that organisations like Black Dog Institute help by providing alternative modes of support.
“Talking about mental health can be a scary thing to do, but I think it’s really important to ask people how they are,” she said.
“Asking the question ‘Are you okay?’ and just being able to listen to someone, especially without judgement is really important.”
This month, Rachel is looking forward to making 2023 another year of raising awareness.
“Being able to share Daniel’s story and my lived experience is crucial in taking that stigma out of being able to talk about mental health,” she said.
Rachel has already surpassed her goal of raising $2000 during the challenge, with her fundraising total at $2300 at the time of publication.
To support her campaign, visit onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/rachellee/one-foot-forward-2023
If you need help or are looking for a place to talk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other contacts include Beyondblue on 1300 224 636 and headspace on 1800 650 890.
