Stop the Stigma

We need to talk about mental illness. 

" Of all the players who listened ashen-faced to ex-NRL halfback Joe Williams' harrowing tale of depression, Johnathan Thurston appeared to be hit the hardest.

Sure, Williams struck a nerve with new father Thurston when he noted that he had gone to the trouble of writing farewell letters to his young children before attempting suicide four years ago.

But it was the Cowboys' recent tragic history that created the lump in Thurston's throat during Williams' powerful mental health address at the Indigenous All Stars leadership camp on the Gold Coast. "

Mental health talk hits home for Thurston http://t.co/soRcplDiqv Speaker @jwboxing01 The Enemy Within http://t.co/ArjaT5vT62 #BreakTheStigma
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker all the boys were very open and responsive!! #BreakTheStigma
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 Agree 100% #BreakTheStigma Talking about mental health and depression needs to becomes part of life.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker nothing but agreement here!!
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 Depression, mental health and self care is a new language out my way. We didn't have the words for the young ones we've lost.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker I hear you - self care & relationship building so crucial, to pick up when those close to us are showing the signs of depression
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 I remember back to segregated towns, mob had kindness. My old aunties & uncles were dirt floor poor but still keep an eye on ya.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker a good friend told me - always be kind, everyone is fighting a battle that nobody knows bout!! Love & kindness is the key!!
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@SivParker & creating awareness around #mentalhealth so ppl aren't afraid to open up about it
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 So true. Talking up #mentalhealth to #StopTheStigma is a lesson in kindness to others AND it helps make your own safe space.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker also gives other ppl comfort!!!
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 @SivParker I try but some people, some days :/
— Lee Bevan (@aleeb88) February 10, 2015

@aleeb88 @SivParker my greatest weapon - is being humble all the time - even when ppl treat yu bad!! It's a reflection of them - not yu
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 @aleeb88 What keeps me going is writing the truth. Not many get to do that. I know that because it takes a lot of sacrifices.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker @aleeb88 100% - im bad enough when I listen to my own head let alone other ppl 😂😂😂
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 Really appreciate your thoughts Joey. The best thing about being a comfort to others, is it rewires your own self in a good way.
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker helping others helps me!! I'm off to sleep - thanks for the chat!! Take care
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 @aleeb88 Sharing your experiences with the boys must be like someone opened a window and let in some fresh air. :)
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@jwboxing01 Thanks for the yarn Joey - hope you had a good day. Take care of yourself and that makes us all happy. :)
— Siv Parker (@SivParker) February 10, 2015

@SivParker @aleeb88 yeah it is - but unfortunately some are very oblivious to the mental health world - thats why it was great I got 2 speak
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015

@SivParker @aleeb88 someone who has been in their shoes!!
— Joey Williams (@jwboxing01) February 10, 2015