Mental illness touches everyone at one point or another. Whether it’s a personal experience or that of a loved one, chances are you will have to deal with it at different points throughout your life. According to the World Health Organisation, close to one billion people around the globe live with some sort of mental illness.
In Australia, more than 3,000 lose their lives to suicide each year. These startling statistics coupled with their own personal experiences led Kelly Müller and Ollie Cavana to create Bonny Co — a new platform that aims to normalise mental health and create connection, something that is greatly needed in this increasingly disconnected world.
“Often people feel alone during their struggles and those that do reach out for support are often met with long wait times, a rollercoaster of a ride trying to find the right service provider and a depleting bank balance” said co-founder Kelly Müller in a press release.
“We 100 per cent advocate for professional diagnosis, treatment and support, but alongside this, we believe that by sharing our stories, we can help to make others feel less alone.”
On Bonny Co, you’ll find people sharing their own stories about mental health. Each story is personal and different from the next but the feelings are universal and relatable. Alongside these, you’ll also find a directory of businesses that support the different pillars of wellness — from social, occupational and physical to financial and emotional.
Bonny Co describes this as “a little black book” that includes everything from mental health services like Sydney-based organisation The Indigo Project, to fitness, food and finance offerings. This is a place where you can find whatever you’re looking for to assist your wellness journey.
“We believe it should be easier to find help. And easier for friends and family to offer help — even if they’re not physically able to do it themselves and that’s what we hope the Bonny Co Directory will provide,” Müller said.
While Bonny Co isn’t a platform run by mental health professionals, and you won’t find advice on the site, it is a place where you can share the experiences of others and hopefully, feel a little less lonely. For more information, head to bonnyco.com.au.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or chat online here. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
