A seemingly simple gesture could help save a life.
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The 22 push up challenge has been widely adopted to show support for military suicides and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but the movement could have wider benefits.
Former customs and border patrol officer Phil Martin will work with personal trainer Adrian Day to share the concept at the Bega parkrun this Saturday.
“I have been diagnosed with PTSD,” Martin says, “I don’t think I’ll ever truly be rid of it, but for me if I can get one person to talk about it, they can carry the message on and get rid of the stigma.”
The pair said there were 22 daily suicides from PTSD in the US defence force, while 41 Australian service people had committed suicide this year alone.
“I just want people to understand that mental health is as important as physical health,” Day said.
“We want to get rid of that stigma and get people talking about this, it’s a simple act of doing 22 push ups to raise awareness about PTSD, depression and mental illness.
“Don’t be scared to talk, my mate in Queensland is attempting a world record and his motto is ‘its not weak to speak’,” Day added.
Martin and Phil said they were not affiliated with parkrun and the challenge was open to everyone on the morning, they’re simply looking to share the message with a wide group of people.
“We’re doing it there because it’s an open environment and we regularly do the parkrun,” Day said.
“They get an average of 80 people there a week so we’re just encouraging everyone to come a little early and do 22 push ups on the day.
“If you don’t think you can do 22 push ups, do them from your knees or against a wall, the real purpose is getting people to talk and open up the discussion.”
He said the pair will encourage people to just do the push ups on the day, but if anyone wanted to continue for the extra 21 days, “go for it” they said.
Martin said there were broader impacts for those affected and opening communication had helped him deal with the issues.
“The families behind people with PTSD go through hell,” Martin said, "connecting the families behind people with it can help, it’s about the understanding.”
“We don’t care who you talk to,” Day added, “go for a walk, go outside and talk to your goldfish or your dog, as long as you have that outlet to vocalise it.”
Day has also approached council to include the event as part of mental health events in October.
Everyone is welcome to join and welcome to take part in the parkrun after with the push ups to be done at the Old Bega Racecourse at 7.30am on Saturday.