MENTAL health is a topic many people shy away from.
But for one Melburnian it is an issue that should be tackled head on.
Ingi Barr, an author, illustrator and now mental health advocate, has been talking to Wyndham’s school students in an attempt to break the stereotypes surrounding mental health.
The outspoken mental health advocate was diagnosed with bipolar disorder four years ago and is using her first hand experience to benefit local children.
“There are absolutely no resources for children and youth out there and as far as I’m concerned, they are the leaders of the future,” Miss Barr said.
“If I can save one kid from committing suicide or developing a serious mental disorder, well then I’ve done my job.”
The passionate voice for mental health spent last week visiting schools around Werribee, including Point Cook Secondary College and Galvin College in Werribee.
She recently had her book, Walking the Black Dog, which deals with the important link between exercise and mental health published.
Miss Barr said children deserved to hear the truth about mental disorders.
“I’m filling a niche because children don’t have mental health advocates coming to their level,” she said.
“When you break down the barriers and stigmas about this stuff, people start to talk about it and discuss it and we are actually breaking down cultural stereotypes.”
Miss Barr has been working with the Westgate Community Initiatives Group and visiting schools as part of last week’s Mental Health Week.
More information can be found by visiting www.mentalhealthvic.gov.au
