Fresh off the back of the empowerment of International Women's Day, Parkes women Janene Pout is setting the example for other women to follow as she seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health - born out of supporting son Nick with his mental health journey.
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A Transport for NSW road safety worker and mental health first aider , Jenene dedicates an enormous amount of her time promoting mental health in the western region.
Son Nick, suffers from a severe enduring mental illness and as a result, Janene experiences first-hand the challenges, heartache and patience required to deal with mental health and spends her time and energy on awareness and education.
She has been particularly passionate about supporting people during change - something that has been ever present over the past 12 months.
Through the challenges she has overcome supporting her son, Janene is proud to play a big role in supporting her co-workers through mental health workshops, and is always available as a confidential ear or to lend support.
"The challenges Nick has gone through and what we have gone through together has enabled both of us to help so many people, and I think that has helped him find a bit of meaning in his illness," said Janene.
"It has been the challenges that made me want to be a voice and an advocate for mental health, raising awareness, bringing it out into the open and reducing stigma.
"I want to give it some normalcy - just like a physical illness is."
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While awareness surrounding mental health has no doubt improved in some ways over the last couple of decades; Janene indicates it is still very prevalent in our society.
"Even at work one in six workers are experiencing a mental illness but up to 54 per cent don't seek help. That stigma and not being able to have a conversation at work really does keep the problem down.
"By helping others I get back so much in return and I don't have that feeling of helplessness so much. A lot of people know they can approach me and it's confidential."
Janene understands that some people feel more comfortable speaking about mental health issues with women but knows it is important men speak up as well.
"There is still that 'men don't cry' perception and a man should be strong but it is really important to bring men into the conversation too and have men as role models and start to discuss their own stories.
"Underneath it all we are all the same, there is nothing you can't overcome.
"'Be your true authentic self' and 'don't doubt yourself' - that is the best advice I could give anyone, especially young girls."
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