“It’s good to know people care” 

“You looked down, so I reached out to you” former Rugby League legend, national boxing champion and now mental health advocate Joe Williams says to Justin Tall, a young man who Joe has coached in footy and through some tough times.

Joe’s no stranger to tough times himself having struggled with suicidal ideation and bipolar disorder for most of his life. Joe credits being able to talk to a support network with helping him through those tough times.

“The only way we get out of these tough times is by sharing and talking”

But sharing can be difficult, especially for young men like Justin.

“When we're having these tough times, we don't want to talk about them, but if we try and make the space as safe as possible, that's going to make it a little easier to have that conversation.” said Joe.

“Like when we go hunting, we sit around the fire and talk to each other,” replies Justin.

What helped Justin open up was hearing the story of struggle, persistence and support from someone he looked up to.

“You made it easier for me. You went to our footy sessions. You told us about your story.”

“It made me feel comfortable” said Justin.

Joe knew he needed to reach out to Justin after he noticed changes in his behaviour and attitude.

“I was just a friend”, Joe says.

“You were keeping to yourself. You were staying quiet. You weren't turning up to footy training. You were a little bit late sometimes, and you just looked sad.”

That conversation made Justin feel he could reach out for support.

“ YOLUNGA MATHA, ” he says, which in the language of North East Arnhem land means that it’s ok to ask other people for help.

This article was produced for the Stronger Together campaign. Get behind the campaign at www.ruok.org.au/strongertogether