Southern Downs MP James Lister reveals social, political toll of public mental health announcement

The Southern Downs MP has revealed the true toll of announcing his extended period of mental health leave amid fears of backlash from political opponents and a social stigma that can silence those suffering in regional communities.

Member for Southern Downs James Lister said it was difficult to accept he needed help, and even more so to admit it publicly. Picture: Marian Faa / Warwick Daily News

Fearing backlash under the social and political stigma against speaking publicly about mental health, Member for Southern Downs James Lister says his extended period of leave was eventually an inevitability.

The MP first spoke out about his struggles in state parliament in March, announcing his weeks-long absence from duties was in response to mental health concerns stemming from his 17 years of service in the Australian Defence Force.

“Over the years I have been progressively worn down, I’ve become upset about the past, and I’ve found life, work, and keeping up appearances increasingly hard,” Mr Lister said.

Returning to full-time responsibilities across the electorate this week after about a month of part-time work, the Southern Downs MP has revealed the true toll of going public about his mental health.

He told the Daily News it was difficult to accept he needed help, and even more so to tell constituents and colleagues.

“It was very hard to step back from my duties, but what finally forced my hand was the fact that I was no longer sleeping. I was going downhill, and my alertness and judgment were suffering,” Mr Lister said.

Member for Southern Downs James Lister speaking about his mental health leave in Parliament House in March. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“Long spells away from home and family, long hours under pressure and public scrutiny, and unending travel and events around the electorate is what makes being an MP challenging.

“The people I know best have often said to me I have to slow down … while intellectually I understood that and would give the same advice to my staff, it’s hard to follow it yourself.”

Already concerned about living and working in a rural area where mental health is typically more stigmatised than bigger cities, the MP claimed he also feared other politicians would view it as a sign of weakness.

“For politicians in particular who depend on public acceptance in order to have their job, they might fear going public because it would give their opponents ammunition against them,” he said.

Mr Lister would not comment specifically on the response from fellow members of the LNP.

Thankful for the largely supportive response from communities across the region, Mr Lister hoped his public announcement would encourage a more open dialogue around mental health within the Southern Downs.

“Country people are resilient. There are plenty of people who have had a harder time than me who don’t get to say, ‘I have to look after my mental health, I’m taking some time off and going to hospital’,” he said.

“I think mental health has become a little more prevalent in the discourse of the community recently, and I know that other politicians too have noticed what I’ve done and have said they’ve got their own problems.

“I would encourage, particularly veterans, that if you’re prepared to accept help, it’s definitely there and it’s good stuff.”

If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, you can contact one of the following helplines:

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978

Click here for the Queensland Mental Health Commission’s full page of support resources.