To kick off Harmony Week, BSSC staff and students were fortunate enough to hear from Jed Zimmer at a special assembly this afternoon.
The crowd gathered in Ulumbarra Theatre to listen to Jed – Bendigo’s 2022 Young Citizen of the Year and mental health advocate – share his story of overcoming mental health issues and coming out of what seemed like an impossible place.
Years ago, Jed was among the three-quarters of men experiencing mental ill-health who do not seek the support of a professional.
“I thought, everything’s good. What do I have to be anxious about? I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling and then act differently around me.”
His turning point came one night when he finally admitted to his loved ones that he was struggling.
“It’s hard to be vulnerable, but we don’t have to go through these challenges alone.”
Since Jed opened up and sought help, he is in a much better place. He now helps people of all abilities – particularly young men – learn to look after their mental health and wellbeing through his work with Headspace and also his own podcast ‘The Health Project’.
Jed encouraged the audience to develop their own ‘toolbox’ to use when they were going through hard times – and also to reach out to the people closest to them.
“You don’t have to struggle alone.”
A huge thanks to Jed for sharing his important and inspiring message today.