Home And Away stars talk mental health, asking: R U OK?
Actors share their stories of how they keep their mental health in check for R U OK? Day. Home And Away actors including Zoe Ventoura, Orpheus Pledger and Jake Ryan have shared their tips for looking after themselves.
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Meditation, exercise and checking in with family and friends are just some of the ways the stars of Australia’s top TV soap look after their mental health.
Home And Away actors including Zoe Ventoura, Orpheus Pledger and Jake Ryan have shared their tips for looking after themselves ahead of today’s R U OK? Day.
“I take care of my mental health by meditating as much as I can. I try to do 20 minutes twice a day,” Ventoura said.
“Sometimes life gets too busy but I just try to fit it in a couple of minutes when I can.”
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R U OK? Day is an annual suicide prevention initiative aimed at encouraging Australians to ask friends, family, colleagues and even strangers how they are feeling.
“It has taken me so long to just become aware of something so simple as breathing,” Orpheus Pledger explained. “It brings me back into alignment of myself.”
For Jake Ryan, who plays Robbo on the Channel 7 soap, checking in with his mates is an important part of looking after himself.
“We can all sit down and talk to each other about how we are feeling,” he said. “I know it is a cliche and everyone says it but just getting stuff off your chest and voicing your concerns and your fears and your worries goes a long way to getting on top of it.”
Courtney Miller said her mother is a strong support for her while Sophie Dillman, known for playing Ziggy Astoni, water and being active keeps her grounded.
“I try to exercise every day to breath in the fresh air, to break a sweat and to be by the water,” she said. “Everyone needs to know that it is okay to not be okay and you can call upon your friends and family and even the kindness of strangers if you are struggling.
Rohan Nichol plays Dillman’s on screen father, Ben Astoni, on the show and tackling depression has been part of his characters storyline.
“Mental health is one of those things that, it can get away from you in a heartbeat. And it is not as obvious as physical stuff. Volunteer work has really been good for me because you feel useful. You’re needed, you have an impact and people are gracious and that impacts on you.”
