IT WAS an emotional day at Queen Mary Falls yesterday, as 30 locals gathered to share their battles with mental illness.

Organiser Johno Felton has worked closely with Warwick’s suicide prevention group since his daughter died.

“There are factors that can affect someone’s life and that’s domestic violence, a break-up, drugs and alcohol, financial issues and bullying,” he said.

“If they’re ticking any of those boxes, they may need support.”

Mr Felton compared mental illness to being stuck in a river.

“Seeing a GP or getting help is like being given a life jacket,” Mr Felton said.

“In my experience, I find people either approach me in the street, or give me a phone call, and sometimes they may say they’re ringing for a friend.

“Eventually you figure it’s themselves they are talking about.”

Warwick headspace manager Sophia McLucas said suicide was a topic most people didn’t want to discuss.

“Unfortunately you’ll find suicide takes more people than car accidents each year,” she said.

“We’re more than happy to talk about how we can reduce the road toll and strategies to drive safely, which are all important, but we don’t take the time to check in with our loved ones to make sure they are okay.

“It’s not that difficult to to ask are you okay? What’s going on?”

Mrs McLucas explained that asking someone if they were considering taking their own life was not planting a seed.

“It’s something that they’ve already thought about, but never actually mentioned,” she said.

“It’s important to be brave and ask those questions of people.”

Seven people stood up and shared their stories on the day, and Sharman Parsons presented a relaxation dance.

The day finished with a morning tea and music by Dianne Mead.