We are in this together!
65,000 Australians attempt suicide every year and every day 8 Australians take their own life. That's 8 too many.
Many children, teenagers, adults, and even the elderly struggle to communicate with others in regards to their mental health needs both socially and emotionally. Many of us struggle with our own poor mental health, cloudy thoughts block the light of our happiness. Most of us lock up our emotions and push them deep down inside of us, trying to push forward and forget they ever existed whilst putting on a brave face and pretending they're ok. Everyone has their own secrets and their daily struggles, the faster we accept our reality and take control of our journey the faster we can find peace of mind and enjoy happiness again.
I’ve started this page because my father was one of those 8s. No one should have to experience life with no father, mother, grandma, grandpa, uncle, aunt, or even without a brother or sister especially at the age of 8 years old which I was.
The pain, grief, and trauma that is left behind with us is something that will never be fixed or ok knowing your life was cut short because depression took control of your mind. Depression destroys your happiness, clouding your judgements and making you believe the only option would be to try and end the constant pain you are in.
It’s 2021 we have so many ways in which we can work together and work how to not let our poor mental health take control of us.
I have struggled with poor mental health in the past year.
Depression has controlled my life at times destroying happy relationships with people who brought me true happiness and knew how to make me smile. Losing them felt like the end of the world to me at 17 and even today I continue to fight unashamedly. I own my struggles and I'm trying my best to work and improve my mental health and try not to let it get the better of me.
August the 18th is my father’s birthday, this year he would’ve been 47, he passed 8 years ago in 2013. The love I had and still have for him will never change.
In order to spread awareness, I wanted to do something that would also help benefit my own and others' mental health journey. So starting on the 18th of August I will be running or walking depending on what I feel on the day 8klm (8 Australian’s a day, I was 8 when my father died and it’s 8 years ago he left us) so 8klms every day until the 18th of September to help support those that suffer from poor mental health, to let people know it’s okay to talk about their mental health and to those that suffer know that there is support if you reach out and also to help me on my own mental health journey. Along the way I hope to inspire people to take the time to ask their friends, family members, workmates etc Are you OK?” and take the time to listen to them.
Thank you so much for your support, together we will make a difference.
My Achievements
My Updates
Day 1: R U OK?
Wednesday 18th Aug
Thank you to my Sponsors
$104.40
Colv
$104.40
Janette Forbes
So proud of you Mikayla.
$104.40
Ally Thomas
so inspiring, gorgeous! 💛🖤
$104.40
Rose & Evan Crane
Keep up the good work beautiful girl 💗
$104.40
Shirley Gorrie
You’re an amazing young lady, love your passion to help people! You go girl! 💜
$104.40
Kellie Garlick
$104.40
Tam Missen
$104.40
Despi O'connor
Mikayla your dad would be so proud of you. I know your mum is. Breaking down the stigma and talking about feelings is our road away from suicide. All feelings need to be acknowledged. They are all real. Reach out when you need too. Help others when you can. Big love to you mum, Bay and Arch. XXX
$100
Vanessa Kane
Your an inspiration ❤️
$100
Kathy Fisher
You have got this. Am so proud of you for speaking up and out & expressing your feelings. You are a gorgeous girl with a wonderful attitude, an awesome family & a magnificent life ahead of you. Always only a phone call away 💚
$100
Jase
Great cause and well done 😊
$83.52
Jen Solis
$52.20
Lyn Czydel
You are an inspiration Mikayla, when Jan told me what you were doing I wanted to support you and R U OK, keep up the great work!
$52.20
Nina Lvanovic
Well done Mac x
$52.20
Andrea And Chris Wintle
$52.20
Kelly Brown
You are a very thoughtful and mature young lady Mikayla, I wish you much love and happiness. I have no doubt about how proud your family and friends are of you for doing this and just for being you. Kindest regards, Kelly Brown xx
$52.20
Duyvo
$52.20
Kyle Newton
$52.20
Lockers
What a very impressive young lady you’ve become. I’m sure your old man would be very proud, as is your mum.
$52.20
The Yarraville Duyvos
Great effort Mikayla ... keep finding ways to look forwards and be positive 😊
$52.20
Craig Newton
Great job Mikayla 😁
$52.20
Nicholls Family
We are so incredibly proud of you mikayla , you are an inspiring young lady . Your dad would be incredibly proud of the person you have become .
$52.20
Bec Leahy
Beautiful and courageous - Thank you for being so inspirational
$52.20
D'nes Eden
Good on ya Mikayla! Dad would be so proud x
$52.20
Margaret Perez
$50
Chantelle Pollard
What a wonderful thing you are doing! Very inspiring. Good luck.
$50
Tony Dawes
Well done Mac...
$47
Karen Couacaud
Well done Mikayla it’s an amazing achievement. Please know we are here for you today and always. You are a.very special girl xx
$41.76
Ann-marie Bogaars
Keep on fighting beautiful. You are amazing & an inspiration xx
$30
Darren Newman
Well done mate ♥️♥️♥️
$26.10
Liz, Andy, Ryan Johnston
What an awesome young lady you are. Well done.
$26.10
Kim Grant
$26.10
Mcmahon Family
Inspirational Mikayla . Well done . Keep up the amazing effort 💪🏻
$26.10
Troy Jansen
$26.10
Michelle Murr
Inspirational Mikayla your dad would be so proud of you x
$26.10
Sozza Family
Well done kid
$26.10
Kate Brady
You are amazing Mikayla ❤️
$26.10
Rebecca Slater
$26.10
Ann Hodgson
Great job Mikayla be very proud of yourself
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Jamie Sullivan
$26.10
Wendy Robertson
Great work Mykala, good luck 👏👏
$26.10
Apes
Well done Mac, proud of you xx
$26.10
Anita G
Your Dad would be so proud of you Mikayla xx
$26.10
Audrey Dahon
Wonderful cause ❤️ Well done 😊
$26.10
Kerri Ccok
Good on you Mikayla. Awesome job x
$25
Jenny Mayne
Awesome work chick!
$25
Heather Macdonald
Sending love and strength.
$25
Belinda Peters
Great effort Mikayla, be proud of yourself x
$25
Lara Davenport
Your one special person. Your dad would be proud
$25
Renee, Ollie & Miller
Well Done Mak! Big love darling girl ❤️ So brave to speak up and I’m sure your dad, just like your beautiful Mum is so proud of you. XXXX
$25
Haylie Morrison
Great to see you doing this Mickayla. Beat of luck with the rest of the walks. Showing true commitment xxxx
$20.88
Lynda Furness
Keep up the good work Mikayla
$20.88
Trudi Brunton
$20.88
Tash Hickson
$20
Kylie Marriott
Good luck with your walking Mac You got this ❤️
$20
Wes Byrns
Great work mikayla, you’re a ⭐️
$15.66
Brooke Palmer
Awesome work Mikayla!!! You are amazing 🤩
$15.66
Leanne Russell
WELL DONE MIKAYLA HOPE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL XX
$10.44
The Corn Family ?
Inspirational Mikayla. Soo proud of you and your amazing Mum too 💪😘
$10
Darren Goldsmith
Keep up the good work 👍
A beautiful tribute in memory of one of the greats Mikayla you are a star