WANGARATTA will host a free, one-of-a-kind comedy show this weekend.
Murray PHN is funding the community event at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 April to help normalise conversations around mental health and encourage people to seek help earlier.
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones acknowledged that men’s mental health issues often go unrecognised.
“We know that men are disproportionately represented in suicide statistics and there are a range of barriers that prevent them from seeking support," he said.
“What we need are different approaches so that mental health is recognised as being just as important as physical health.
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“Involving those with lived or living experience provides hope, through shared understanding and awareness.
“Humour can also help to break down barriers.”
The free show is being delivered by South Australian comedian and suicide prevention advocate Marc Ryan, who is also known as ‘The Beautiful Bogan’ after featuring on ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That’ Bogans episode - one of the most watched in the series.
Drawing from his own mental health struggles, Marc uses comedy to address the often-taboo subjects of post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, depression, and living with thoughts of suicide stemming from childhood trauma.
While the topics may seem heavy and could be triggering for some, Marc’s performances blend humour with heartfelt stories in the hope of encouraging others to get the help they need and to remind them that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Marc said that living with mental illness for more than 27 years has shaped his life.
“I’ve navigated marriage, fatherhood and fostering children while battling internal struggles," he said.
“By telling my story, I hope to help others understand that mental health is an experience that many of us share.
“It’s time we remove the veil of shame and have real conversations to help with the healing.
“We need to be comfortable to talk about the tough stuff because it’s real and affects us all,” Marc said.
The performance is suitable for audiences aged 18+ due to containing strong language and discussing living with thoughts of suicide.
Event booking details are available at each venue.
If you are in an emergency situation or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000. Other services include Lifeline – 13 13 14 or lifeline.org.au or Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
