As psychological distress rises, CEO of Lifeline Tasmania, Liz Brown shares how you can help help raise awareness for better mental health for all Australians

What does the 3,307 push-up target mean – why is that number so import­ant? Each year Lifeline Tasmania partic­ipates in the Push Up Challenge seeking to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. In Australia 3,307 lives were lost to suicide in 2024. This is an opportunity to honour and remember those people, whilst encourag­ing people to connect and seek support. And at the same time, raising funds to ensure trained crisis supporters are avail­able when people reach out, as well as funding early intervention and commu­nity education programs that strengthen mental wellbeing before crisis point.

Why is a physical challenge an effec­tive vehicle for starting conversations about mental health? We know that our mental health is so connected with our physical health. If you are part of a team completing the push-up challenge, it’s a great way to start conversations in your workplace, family or community. My experience last year was that doing push-ups in a public space was a great way to get talking about mental health, at the beach, the gym, at work or even on the steps of the Sydney Opera House!

What would you say to someone who wants to take part but doesn’t think they’re fit enough? There are lots of ways for everyone to participate and ensuring people stay safe and injury free is really important. Alternatives to push-ups are welcome and encouraged. It may be that you choose to do half the number of push ups or select a different exercise such as squats or something that is suit­able for your level of fitness and always check with your health professional if you’re not sure.

What do you hope participants carry with them once the 24 days are over? The Push Up Challenge creates the opportunity to have lots of conversa­tions about mental health. Each day the number of push-ups to be completed reflects a fact about mental health and wellbeing to share increasing awareness and understanding across our communi­ty. Knowing that by participating you are contributing to the critical work of Life­line Tasmania in supporting Tasmanians across the state.

Across Tasmania, demand for mental health and crisis support services continues to grow – how is this show­ing up for Lifeline Tasmania? Lifeline Tasmania sees these impacts every day through its 24/7 crisis support line and community programs. People tell us about rising levels of psychological distress driven by increasing pressures of cost-of-living stress, relationship break down and social isolation and loneliness. Increasing numbers of people across Tasmania are reaching out to our telephone services and our community connection services.

How can our readers get involved? Simply by visiting www.lifelinetasma­nia.org.au you can register. Form a team with your workplace, school or commu­nity group and take part in a shared ef­fort to improve mental health outcomes in Tasmania.