November 5th, 2019

We all have a part to play in each other's lives.

Nathan Appo is committed to improving mental health of Indigenous people.
In the Barber Chair
1 MIN READ
 

“I work in Aboriginal health, and mental health in indigenous people is a big issue where I’m from. My father has gone through it and was hospitalized because of it. It was tough to see someone you look up to go through that, you just feel so alone.
 
That’s why I think Movember is so important, and that’s why we grow the Mo. Just to be able to have those real conversations and know the signs to reach out is so important. In Indigenous communities,  we all have a part to play in each other's lives. It might just be a phone call or a text.
 
I’ve had close mates who have passed away. Last year a good mate of mine, loves footy, just around the boys all the time – when we got the news we just couldn’t believe he had done that. But also, you start reflecting - what did I do? how did I support him? Why wasn’t I there for him? You start asking questions, you’ll never get the answers.
 
We, as men, don’t like talking to each other about our feelings. We feel like we need to “toughen up.” Gone are those days. You’ve got to be able to have the tools, know the signs, and reach out.”