Don’t worry alone. That is key. Too often we put on a mask and try to pretend everything is ok because we don’t have the emotional muscle to tell the truth. In this conversation, Dr Justin Coulson and Gus Worland discuss suicide prevention, vulnerability, and how to stay mentally fit.

Timestamps

• 00:19 Dr Justin introduces Gus Worland
• 01:05 Gus’s backstory
• 06:25 How did Gus get into suicide prevention?
• 12:35 Dr Justin shares the story of his Uncle 
• 15:53 What protective factors bolster mental health?
• 20:24 Parents don’t have to know everything
• 23:28 How to help boys fight the pressure to fit in?
• 27:57 Parents are too busy
• 29:30 The masculine expectations on year 10 boys
• 34:32 ManUp’s influence on Gus’ relationship with his son
• 37:55 Two key messages from Gus
• 41:17 Dr Justin’s experience with blowing up

Gus Worland

Founder of Gotcha4Life Foundation

Family man. Friend. Sports fan. Founder. Australian radio host and TV personality Gus Worland is the driving force behind mental fitness charity Gotcha4Life.

Gus set up the not-for-profit foundation in 2017 to help people develop the emotional muscle, resilience and social connections needed to build mental fitness and prevent suicide.

A compassionate bloke, Gus wears his heart on his sleeve.

But that heart was shattered the day news arrived that Angus - his friend, mentor and father figure - had taken his life. Angus seemed to have it all – a beautiful family, home, great job, the respect and friendship of many. But he had something else too. Inner worries that were eating away at him. And he never told anyone about it. The stigma around mental health stops too many from reaching out and asking for help when life throws challenges our way.

Gus was driven to action. In 2016, he hosted three- part documentary series Man Up, lifting the lid on the relationship between masculinity, social isolation, mental health and suicide.

The attention it received created awareness – but Gus knew more was needed. ‘It is time for action- time to draw a line in the sand to engage, educate and empower people about mental fitness.’

Gotcha4Life was founded.

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