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'Sick of funerals': Guy Sebastian's heartbreak spurs new charity
Former Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian has opened up about his heartbreak over suicide and deteriorating mental health, saying he is ‘sick of being asked to sing at funerals’.
The musician and competition judge has previously opened up about his own heartbreaking losses to suicide.
Just days after his wedding to wife Jules in 2008, they lost Jules’ brother to suicide.
Last year, the star’s bandmate Luke Liang also tragically died by suicide, something he has previously discussed in heartbreaking interviews.
The singer released a song honouring Luke in 2019 called Choir.
Now the star has revealed in a candid chat with former Aussie cricketer Shane Lee that his charity, The Sebastian Foundation, is launching a brand new program targetting bullying and mental health in schools.
The star confessed he was inspired to launch the program after he felt completely overwhelmed between his own experiences with tragic loss to mental illness and reading about cases of young people suffering in the media.
“I’m sick of getting asked to sing at funerals and I’m sicking of reading stuff,” Guy said on the podcast. “It’s getting to a point where the heartbreak’s at a point where I hate having to read it now.”
The dad of two said his new program is intended to get to the root of the problem and start proactive conversations early.
"We need to get into schools," Guy said to Lee and fellow guest Ed Cowan. “[Kids] need to talk about mental health and they need to talk about how to tackle issues that they're not equipped to handle.”
He said there was a ‘massive need’ for the conversations to happen in schools and his initiative is hoping to get in and tackle the problems early.
Previous the foundation was focused on domestic violence and shelters for struggling Australians.
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The push comes as experts warn of an alarming uptick in serious mental illnesses in Aussies since the coronavirus hit our shores and it’s eating disorders that may be facing the most dangerous increase of all.
The Butterfly Foundation has reported a concerning increase in requests for support for eating disorders since states across the nation went into lockdown in March, sparking concern the lockdown is linked to an increase in eating disorders and disordered body image.
Experts have also warned that disrupted sleep caused by the uncertain times we live in could be triggering mental health concerns in formerly health individuals, and have urged anyone struggling to reach out for support.
Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Online support is available via Beyond Blue.
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