Marcus dives in to prevent youth suicide

ACCORDING to ReachOut Australia suicide remains the leading cause of death for 16–24-year-olds in Australia and to reduce the stigma around mental health and prevent youth suicide, local comedian, Marcus Ryan has signed up to the Laps for Life fundraising event and is swimming to save lives.

Marcus set a personal target to swim 20 kilometres this March and raise $1000.

“I chose this charity because it is close to my heart. I’ve lost many friends in my life to suicide and a couple just this year,” said Marcus. 

“With my job as a comedian, I have a platform to talk about it and also to bring light to the subject and I have been lucky to be able to go to some schools and talk about mental health awareness for parents and students.” 

Marcus finds swimming a great form of meditation and of course any form of exercise is good for your mental health, but Marcus shared that he was never a strong or confident swimmer as a kid and swimming in the ocean would give him panic attacks, but he said, “I think it’s important to face your fears!”

“We’re losing too many young kids who aren’t getting the help they need and there’s still a stigma around it. 

“I like to think of it like your car, if you get a flat tyre, you know it needs attention, but you forget the engine is the most important part. It’s the same with mental health, if we see someone with a broken leg, we know they need help – but we too often ignore it or don’t take it seriously when it’s the things we can’t see – the brain is the engine. So, get it checked – exercise and check in on your mates.”

The Wonthaggi YMCA have been a great support to Marcus, providing him with a free 10 pass pool visit for the month of March to swim the 25-metre lap pool and measure his daily progress. 

“I believe every $4 raised helps one person, so my current donations are helping 250 people, if I get to $2000 that’ll be 500 young people. It’s all for a good cause,” said Marcus. 

ReachOut Australia provide vital support to those having trouble with mental health and their fundraising event Laps for Life is an opportunity to share support for youth who may be experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, and depression. 

To support Marcus and make a donation to help prevent youth suicide visit lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/marcusryan35681 or follow his journey on Instagram @itsmarcusryan and help save lives.