Depression, anxiety and suicide are all topics that are difficult to talk about and initiatives such as this latest one must all work towards breaking down these barriers and allowing conversation to take place, particularly in young people. 

The statistics relating to mental health issues in young people are horrifying and certainly cause to take action.

According to Beyond Blue, suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians and accounts for the deaths of more young people than car accidents.

One in four young Australians currently has a mental health condition.

One in six young Australians is currently experiencing an anxiety condition.

One in 16 young Australians is currently experiencing depression.

If just one person can feel empowered to have a conversation about their mental health as a result of the awareness raised through the ‘okay’ selfies then it has done its job. 

Also pleasing is the demographic of those choosing to post a selfie; young blokes who are in the highest risk categories for compromised mental health. 

This being a social media initiative naturally targets a younger audience, however among those selfies spotted on the newsfeeds of Cootamundra residents are members of all football and soccer clubs in town as well as the cricket club.

There are tradies, farmers and professionals all involved.

Not exclusively for blokes too, plenty of women have been posting their selfies online.

#ITSOKAYTOTALK is a universal message. 

Seeing so many people get involved in the selfie craze gives hope that blokes in particular will not face the same stigma surrounding talking about your feelings as previous generations. 

Not since John Harper of Stockinbingal’s Mate Helping Mate program has a program captivated the Harden area so well.

The premise of both is the same, conversation is key when it comes to optimal mental health.