Gotcha4life is Asking Aussies to Pledge to Mind their Mate, so No One Worries Alone

One in ten Australians has suicidal thoughts as a result of lockdown

Research conducted by Gotcha4Life, Australia’s leading mental fitness not-for-profit foundation, has found one in ten Australians who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic are having suicidal thoughts due to the recent lockdowns, with 21 per cent reporting turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.  

To support Australians during this challenging time, Gotcha4Life will launch Mind Your Mate to tackle the subject of mental fitness when Aussies are at their most disconnected.

The Mind Your Mate initiative kicks off this International Day of Friendship (30 July) and encourages people to be a Gotcha4Life Mate. It means identifying a close friend in your life and being someone they know they can talk to openly and honestly, about anything, without judgement, no strings attached. Gotcha4Life is asking Australians across the country to check in on their mates because no one should worry alone.

Gus Worland, Gotcha4Life founder, says Australians are at a health turning point.

“It’s rare that Australians, as a collective, face a crisis of this magnitude,” Worland said. “We know early intervention and seeking help is the best way to build our emotional muscle and resilience. We’re asking everyone to check in on their mates, to facilitate connection for those who may be feeling the isolation, and commit to being there for them for life by signing the pledge to be a Gotcha4Life Mate”.

Throughout life, Australians have a range of mates - from playmates and classmates to roommates, and teammates. All play a critical role in our happiness, decision making and enjoyment of our lives and careers, making the Mind Your Mate initiative a critical step in bringing together isolated Australians.

“Meaningful mateship matters,” said Worland. “It doesn’t just mean something. It can mean everything. It can be the difference between someone reaching out to ask for help – or feeling that life is not worth living.”

Clinical Neuropsychologist and author of How to Break up with Friends, Dr Hannah Korrel, said mates are critical to both our development and ongoing happiness.

“They help us make better decisions, support our resiliency in tough situations like lockdown, and increase how much life satisfaction we feel. The time is now to speak to your good mates and make that commitment to being there for them, no matter the challenge,” she said.

Take the pledge here: https://www.gotcha4life.org/mindyourmate.