The Lifeline Ambassador’s partnership comes as part of a shared commitment to quash stigmas around suicide to make sure that nobody goes through their darkest moments alone, and let people all over Australia know that Lifeline is there around the clock to provide help and support, no matter the reason.
Boyd is encouraging people all over the country to take action and get involved on Saturday by posting a selfie across their social channels with their flash on, tagging #ShineALight and linking to outoftheshadows.org.au.
Ahead of the annual global awareness day, Tom Boyd has shared a #ShineALight selfie to his Instagram story, encouraging his followers to do the same and highlighting that we can all play a role in supporting each other and in preventing suicide.
Boyd lived with anxiety, depression and insomnia during his six-year professional AFL career and hung up his boots in 2019 to focus on his health and wellbeing. Boyd advocates for the importance of seeking out support when going through a tough time, and is dedicated to bringing down the stigma that can get in the way.
Tom Boyd (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
“Life is tough, and it’s OK to seek out a friend or look for alternative ways to achieve happiness and balance. If you are feeling down and tapped out, please reach out to someone or contact Lifeline,” he said.
“By starting these important conversations and spreading the message of suicide prevention, you’ll see how enlightening it really is to truly open up. Don’t ever think that you’re a burden or that you have to face your darkest days alone.”
In addition to its well-known crisis phone and text services, Lifeline offers evidence-based toolkits and factsheets online to help guide people through their most difficult moments if they are experiencing challenging thoughts and feelings. There are also a number of resources available for those who need help having a conversation with a loved one, friend or colleague experiencing a difficult time.
“There are many simple and effective ways you can manage conversations with someone
going through tough times. There are resources readily available to help everyone achieve
their best possible mental health,” continued Boyd.
Lifeline has never been needed more, with over 3000 calls received each day. Since the COVID-19 health pandemic hit Australia in early 2020, Lifeline has experienced a 44% growth in service demand.
“In Australia, nine people take their own lives each day,” Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said. “Our hope is that by shining a light this World Suicide Prevention Day, we can help start more conversations by tackling preconceptions, myths and clichés head on.”
“On September 10th, we are calling on the nation to help bring suicide stigmas out of the shadows and into the light, and encourage everyone to either speak up or reach out to someone who might be struggling.”
“We’ve watched with admiration the work Tom has done and continues to do in stewarding the discussion on
mental health and suicide, and couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership for World Suicide Day Prevention and beyond. Tom will be a powerful advocate for the work we do at Lifeline.”
To get involved this World Suicide Prevention Day, share a selfie with your camera light on
to your social media channel. Tag #ShineALight, @lifeline and link to outoftheshadows.org.au for more details.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable. You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24/7).
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