As the great Kamahl said, “Why are people so unkind?” Right now, we are in a very fragile place with people’s differing opinions and social media’s impact on mental health.
I applaud the federal government for endeavouring to put an age limit on social media. I don’t know how successful it will be but at least it is trying. Youth suicide is at a record high. Something must be done.
I remember, as a teenager, I certainly had some mental health issues which no one knew about except me. I considered suicide a couple of times and my reasoning was because I perceived what people thought of me. If it had been in today’s environment – where folks rip into people targets on social media – and if I actually saw things in print confirming that I was a loser, I probably would have acted on it. In my view, that is how damaging this can be and, somehow, we have to fix this problem.
Sadly, the so-called ‘leader of the Free World’, the President of the United States sets a really poor example on this particular subject. He posts some really horrible comments about people who don’t comply with his views. And I guess, to be fair, he cops it as well. But it just has to stop and he is probably a pretty good place to start. He should set the example.
Occasionally, I share things on social media that annoy people or they don’t agree. But surely we are all allowed to have an opinion without getting personal.
I love a good argument. You only have to look at me to figure that I lose more than I win. But, hey, I have enough friends – I don’t need anymore. And if people don’t like me because they disagree with me, that’s fine. But for some, it’s not fine. We should respect others’ opinions. Agree to disagree.
There are plenty of organisations trying to give support in the mental health field, one of which was started close to home by local real estate icon Vicki Stewart. The Lift the Lid Walk is in its 10th year, started by Vicki and supported by Rotary. It is a walk to support physical and mental health. It’s now a national event – which is awesome.
It’s on Sunday, October 19, leaving from The Surf Club, Mooloolaba. If it saves one life, if it changes one mind about how they feel about themselves, it’s a win. Check out liftthelidwalk.com.au. I will see you there.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
