One of the reasons why Virtus is Virtus is because we want to know the person behind the exercise. The training, the physical and mental development, is all part of the bigger picture. An excuse for a deeper conversation.
I want to ensure that we are looking at the whole puzzle, not just a few pieces, so it would be amiss of me to just focus on talking about the sets, reps and exercises.
There is a whole lot more to health and happiness than that. We want to make the world a better place and creating an environment where the Virtus Family can thrive is of utmost importance.
Creating an environment that fosters conversation and connection is more important than we realise.
This is why:
-
In Australia, it’s estimated that 45% of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
-
In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety.
-
In 2019, 65,000 people in Australia will attempt suicide
-
Each day, 6 Men will die by suicide
-
It is the number one killer of men aged 18-44 and affects every corner of our society
Earlier this week Triple-M released a subtitled video to promote their No Talk Day. On Monday, July 1st there will be no shows, no ads, no news, or no traffic reports.
Instead, you will hear from people with lived experience and important messages from Beyond Blue about how to have a safe conversation about suicide, how to support a mate and where to seek support.
I applaud Triple-M and Beyond Blue for making this happen and offering their platform for the things that are really important.
This is something we have to get behind. It’s too important not to.
On Monday, July 1, we are opening our doors to anyone who needs it (we hope you know that they are always open). Whether it be for a chat, a lift, or just somewhere to hang out with people who care. For our regulars, we want to use this as an opportunity to have a conversation.
To peel back a few layers and go deeper than you usually would. To not just speak but to listen, with intent. When you ask someone how they are, give them time to give you an honest, genuine answer.
It might be a little uncomfortable, or difficult in the beginning, but know that as scary as it is, one conversation can save a life.
I have been impacted by suicide and every day we feel the effect of mental health issues on those around us. Those we love and care for so deeply. This is an opportunity to bring these things out in the open, not so they can be fixed, but so they can be understood.
I don’t want one of you to be a statistic. Honestly, it scares the s**t out of me. We need to make sure we do everything possible to be there for each other.
This Monday, July 1st and every other day of the year, we are here for you.
Much love,
Wallace