Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This month we've observed Mental Health Week, and we continue to focus on the fact that about one-in-five Australians are affected by a mental illness, yet many may not seek help because of the stigma. Mental health issues are common and not a sign of weakness. It does take strength and courage to ask for help, and the earlier you get onto it the better.

Territorian 'Rusty' wrote a poem about his experience with depression, and I thank Rusty for speaking out about his battles with depression. The poem, 'I Woke Up Dead', was part of the production In My Skin, supported by Mission Australia, Darwin Community Arts and Browns Mart. In my skin won a Golden Crocodile Fringe award. Thank you and well done to all involved. 'I Woke Up Dead' starts with:

This morning I woke up dead

Wiped the eye's out of my sleep

Brushed my bald head

put on some hairspray

combed my teeth

I looked into myself to admire the mirror

It's a very thought-provoking poem. What the author is trying to convey is that, every day, even if you feel like you've woken up dead, stay alive until you get through it—and you will get through it. You should reach out. Thank you, Rusty, for that great message.