Encouraging country men to reach out for help and support

Jake Sinclair is a country music singer and songwriter and also a strong advocate for the importance of reaching out for help if we're going through tough times.

A finalist at this year's Toyota Star Maker competition at Tamworth, Jake strongly believes in the work of R U OK? and the importance of engaging those around us in meaningful conversations.

Drawing on his own experiences with depression, he is particularly passionate about encouraging men living in rural and remote communities to get help if they need it.

"About five or six years ago I started to notice the signs of depression and anxiety, and a couple of years after that actually went to a GP to start the process of a mental health plan," Jake says. "For me, growing up in the country with a very sort of manly upbringing, I guess, those things aren't really talked about."

"The message that I'd like to help share is that it's actually very easy to do. I never realised how easy it was to book an appointment with a GP and sort out a mental health plan. I thought it would be a lot more complicated and involved."

Jake says men living in the country need to know that it's okay to seek some support if they're struggling, and that getting help is actually a sign of strength.

"With the country thing, it's sort of a stereotype or a stigma that we have to get rid of," he says. "It's not weak to speak out, it's not weak to look for help."

"if anything, I think it's a tough thing to do. It's one of the best things that you can do for yourself and those around you. The long-term benefits are amazing, so it's definitely worth doing."

Jake says we can all play a role in supporting those around us who we think might be struggling with their wellbeing.

"When you notice these signs, it's as simple as just saying, 'let's go for a beer or go for a fish', or just sitting down and actually asking your friends if they are okay", he says. "It sounds like a simple thing to do, and it's obviously not for a lot of people but it's definitely worth it."

"It's one of the things that I believe really saved my life. It was was two of my friends, that are still friends to this day, who just kept saying to me: you're not yourself, you're not okay, is there anything we can help with?"

"For the country guys especially, it's as simple as having a beer and a yack and just checking in with your mates, because sometimes, that's all it needs."

Jakes says his decision, with the support of his mates, to speak to a GP has changed his life.

"This year at Tamworth we played a show and I said to the crowd that six years ago I couldn't get out of bed," he says. "Now I'm standing here before you doing what I love and working hard."

"That all stemmed back to one meeting with a GP, and then working with a psychologist and good friends and people like R U OK? So, it's definitely worth it in the long run."

If you know someone who's doing it tough, why not make today the day you reach out to them, ask "Are you OK?" and start a conversation that could change a life? Learn how in our Mateship Manual.