Mental Health Movement funder Dan Hunt has his own selfish reasons for backing the #vaxtheillawarra campaign.
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Since retirning from the St George Illawarra Dragons after being diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder in 2012 , Mr Hunt's been on a mission to help others fight their mental health demons.
This year he has noticed that the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns have effected everyone in one way or another.
But Mr Hunt said they had added a whole other layer of pressure, worry, uncertainty and fear to those dealing with mental health issues.
"We no longer are able to do what we did previously like travel, holidays, go out for dinner with family and friends as well as go to the gym," he said.
"We can no longer rely on these coping strategies and people are really feeling the pinch. The struggle is real and unfortunately there is not really any light at the end of the tunnel.
"The thing we can do is try to get back to some form of normality sooner rather than later. Everyone is going through a tough time, especially those who run small businesses.
"The government is telling us getting vaccinated is the only way to get out of this pandemic. If that is the case I encourage everyone to get vaccinated because it will help all our mental health."
Mr Hunt said his team at Mental Health Movement were keen to do whatever was needed to help their clients struggling with "disconnection of identity, purpose and belonging".
"The sooner we can get vaccinated the sooner we can get our teams to travel and connect with our clients, connect with people to be able to help them better manage their mental health and support each other manage theirs.
"We are going to do that because that is going to be virtually saving people's lives."
RU OK? Day is being celebrated tomorrow, with Mr Hunt urging all to adhere to this year's message of 'Are they really OK? Ask them today?
"What we are trying to do is create self awareness for people to help themselves and help others," he said.
"We also want people to take a proactive approach with their mental health, so if you are going through a bit of a struggle, take a proactive approach, don't wait until the shit hits the fan.
"We can do that through seeking professional or clinical support, whether that's through your GP, an employer assistance program or some of the other great organisations like the Black Dog Institute, Lifeline, Beyond Blue, headspace and Kids Helpline.
"But it is also the simple little things we can do for ourselves like self care and self care is not selfish.
"Look we are only allowed outside for one hour but getting out, getting some sunlight, getting a bit of that exercise and trying to eat healthy and look after our sleep is important.
"You should also limit our exposure to the media or social media if it is triggering for individuals , and also limit alcohol consumption if that is an issue and just try to proactively put that self care into looking after ourselves."
The #vaxtheillawarra team has also lent its support to RUOK? DAY 2021.
#vaxtheillawarra co-founder Vicki Tiegs, is encouraging everyone in the region to reach out to at least one person tomorrow to check in on their welfare.
"It doesn't need to be a long conversation. A quick call, maybe a Facetime chat; just take the time and let someone you know, especially someone who you think may be doing it tough, that you're thinking of them and you're there for them," she said.
"'New research has found 22 per cent of Australians aren't reaching out to ask 'are you ok?' because there hasn't been an occasion where they felt someone needed their help.
"In these awful COVID times, that's understandable. 'Many of us feel like we're living in a lockdown bubble and we're all doing what we can to get out the other side,' Tiegs said. 'You're not alone, have the conversation.
"It's something we should really do every day, but tomorrow, on RUOK? Day let's each and every one of us allocate 15 minutes to make that important connection with our friends, family and colleagues."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
