Moo’s Momentary Musing #01
Happy Friday you wonderful humans.
It’s not Wallace clogging your Inbox this week it is me; Jarryd Palser aka Moo, Pulse, @jpul5e or that strange beared guy that frequents Virtus HQ
You might remember me from previous Virtus Propaganda as Positive Pressure 2.0 it can be found (here). But enough of the pleasantries I’m here today to talk about some real shit.
Recent statistics show that; globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide. In Australia, 75% of suicides are men.
November is a month where we shine a spotlight on men’s health. Since 2003, The Movember Foundation has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
Conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing are not only important but are absolutely necessary.
2019 has been a challenging year for me on a number of levels, I was a broken man. I finally had the courage to admit that there was something wrong. Interestingly enough my lowest moment came at my workplace, I broke down in front of three of my closest colleagues. I wasn’t coping my condition was starting to have an impact on me at work. The hardest thing was admitting that there was something wrong.
My lovely partner Jess had been asking me for three years to speak to someone about the way I was feeling, I just brushed it off and considered it as normal and I would bounce back. I was ashamed and disappointed that it took me this long to recognise what I was putting her through on a day to day basis.
I first port of call was seeing my GP, within 5 minutes of talking to her she diagnosed me with depression. Telling people, you have depression is not an easy task, I found it most difficult telling my parents and closest mates. Every conversation you have breaks down the stigma that is attached to mental health and emotional wellbeing. It’s getting better, but unfortunately, I and society have a long way to go.
I now invest and prioritise my mental health, I regularly speak to my GP, I take medication, I see a Psychologist once a month, I practice Yoga, I listen to podcasts, I try to consistently exercise, I prioritise sleep and I am more open and honest with my closest family and friends.
For me some days are better than others. I was in a hole last week, but I am fighting my way out of it.
I find it extremely difficult to explain how my depression affects me on a day to day basis, I know the Virtus Family loves a quote / analogy. For me my depression is like a fog that lingers in the early morning sky, never completely fading, always present and blurring your vision.
If this email has resonated with you in anyway. Can I ask you to do one of two things;
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Support My Movember Campaign by donating via the accessing the following link: (Movember – Moo Palser). Any donation amount will be championing men’s health.
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Show some gratitude / appreciation for the wonderful Men in your life. Send them a message / call, give them a hug and (or) have an authentic and meaningful conversation with them.
I am going to leave you with two quotes that have really impacted me over the past three months in this space
“Manning up in the past was to suffer in silence. Manning up now, is to put your hand up.”
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Danny Frawley
“It’s ok to be in pain, it’s ok to hurt, its ok to be sad. But it’s no longer ok to suffer in silence. It is really important that we do everything we possibly can to get the help that we deserve, and we need.
So, to anybody living with mental health conditions today please ask for help, please put your wellbeing first and do everything you possibly can to prioritise your mental health.”
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Wayne Schwass
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or beyond blue 1300 224 636.
Enjoy the rest of your Friday and the impending weekend.
Much Love
Moo Rooke
2 x Virtus Human Performance “Best On” Award Recipient
Kooweerup’s Resident Hipster
Record Holder: Most cumulative hours of Lifestyle Food Network watched.
