CHARITY
Mental health has always been a demon of mine and it has only been in the last few years that I have actually spoken out and asked for help. Mental health in men has such a stigma around it, that it is weak to be emotional, to show or speak our emotions. Slowly I believe we, as a nation, are breaking down the stigma which is a huge step in the right direction for a positive change.
I have never been the 'arty or creative' type of person but someone suggested to me to try art therapy as a different form of therapy to help my anxiety and depression. Im so glad I kept an open mind to it as it has helped me immensely with my anxiety. I recommend everyone and anyone to give it a ago.
It wasn't until I started sharing my artwork with my following to show what a positive impact it had on my mental health that people started to show interest in buying my artwork which led me here, creating my own website selling my artwork. I thought what better way to give back than choose a charity organisation that I can strongly relate with and donate a percentage of each art piece sale.
I chose Love Me Love You, a non-profit organisation that strives to empower and build resilience in young adults so that they may overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and other life hardships.
Almost one in four young Australians are unhappy with their lives. Due to the lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse, many young adults choose to face their battles alone.
A former first round draft pick and AFL footballer, Lance Picioane established Love Me Love You in 2013 to help young adults take control of their mental wellbeing and to live happier, more fulfilling lives. As a teenager and throughout his AFL career, Lance suffered from depression and anxiety. Like many young adults, Lance chose not to ask for help, but instead turned to partying and substance abuse.
By being truthful with himself, his family and his friends, Lance turned a corner and sought help. Although he still has his down days, Lance now lives a life full of love and happiness. Love Me Love You programs are based on Lance’s experiences and are aimed at educating young adults about the importance of mental health and empowering youths to Get Back to School, Back to Sport, Back to Life!
An incredibly relatable and down to earth character, Lance and Love Me Love You have touched people from all walks of life through ongoing community initiatives such as the annual ‘March with Me’ walk, as well as hosting several workshops and ongoing events across Victoria.
Love Me Love You provides interactive and engaging programs that challenge the views and stigmas surrounding youth mental health. Our programs are specifically designed and targeted at young adults aged 15-30 years, creating a relatable and engaging experience. Delivered in schools, sporting clubs, community and corporate organisations, all of our programs are built on the Love Me Love You mission to raise awareness of mental illness and empower youths to Get Back to School, Back to Sport, Back to Life!
By fostering a positive change through awareness, education and acceptance we can begin to remove the stigma associated with mental health, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders and life hardships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.LOVEMELOVEYOU.ORG.AU
