The Push-Up Challenge - for Better Mental Health, with Nick Hudson

Nick Hudson shares how he pushed through the stigma to talk about his own periods of depression. He started the Push-Up Challenge with a few mates, knocking out push ups at work and even in supermarkets, to quickly becoming a huge mental health fitness challenge, raising millions for mental health charities. Join Claire McDonnell Liu, health researcher and Family Health Lab podcast host, in conversation with Nick Hudson, founder and CEO of The Push-Up Challenge. The Push-Up Challenge is a physical fitness challenge taking place each year in June. The Challenge raises much needed funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Australia, and other parts of the world. The event involves individuals, families, communities, industries and schools banding together to get fit, raise funds and have meaningful conversations around mental health and suicide. Listen in to how the Push Up Challenge first took shape, who the Challenge helps, and the new school education and ambassador program rolling out. 01:10 The people and communities affected by mental ill health 01:28 Mental health burden on individuals, families and communities 02:56 Men are least likely to get help for mental ill health 05:28 Nature and connection can impact mood and mental health 08:15 How the Push-Up Challenge first started, with Nick and mates 11:50 Nick's own period of depression 13:20 Open heart surgery that led to a mental health decline 17:52 Opening up about depression has not been easy 18:50 Liberating feeling of talking openly about mental health 20:24 Raising awareness and money for mental health charities 22:10 Connecting remote workplaces, schools, and communities 24:16 Mental health conversations and people's stories 25:30 Push-up Challenge in June highlighting Suicide awareness 25:50 Why 3144 Push-ups? 27:50 Which charities does the Push-Up Challenge fundraise for? 29:00 About the Lifeline, Movember, Push For Better Foundation mental health charities 32:48 The Push For Better School Mental Health Ambassador Program 33:40 How to get involved in the Push-Up Challenge individually, as a group or as a school 34:35 Nick's own approach to managing his mental health 37:50 The significance of connection, nature, and exercise. 38:20 How food affects mental wellbeing 40:40 What is next for The Push-Up Challenge Thank you for listening! ** THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US BY SUBSCRIBING - liking and commenting ** If you are feeling moved to help us with our mission to empower other families please donate through our Patreon page: Patreon.com/FamilyHealthLab * * * * Family Health Lab Podcast: Game Changers S1: E15 Interviewer: Claire McDonnell Liu, Nutritionist Episode time: 42:48 Tech: www.0ad.com.au Links: www.thepushupchallenge.com.au Leafie.org/FamilyHealthLab FB: LeafieHealth IMPORTANT - The content in this video is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your physician regarding your health matters. Individuals’ lifestyles, bodies and health histories vary. The author does not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by the choice to implement any of the health strategies.