Tasmanian Minister Nic Street Takes Leave for Mental Health Recovery
Tasmanian Minister for Finance, Sport and Local Government, Nic Street, has announced he is taking time off to recover from mental health challenges. He shared his decision publicly, hoping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Street, who was re-elected in March, stated in a public announcement that he has struggled with mental health for several years. He acknowledged that he has been increasingly struggling in recent weeks and is currently working on his recovery with the necessary support.
Despite his absence, Street intends to return to his ministerial duties in the coming weeks. During his leave, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Michael Ferguson will act as Finance Minister, Roger Jaensch will act as Minister for Local Government, and Nick Duigan will be acting Minister for Sport and Events.
Street expressed his gratitude to Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his colleagues for their support and stated his hope to return to work as soon as possible.
Mental Health Council of Tasmania Commends Street's Candidness
The Mental Health Council of Tasmania's CEO, Connie Digolis, commended Street's openness about his struggles. She believes it helps break down the stigma surrounding politicians and serves as a reminder that they are human too.
Digolis also highlighted the importance of reducing stigma and increasing understanding and empathy for those experiencing mental health challenges. She emphasized the need for individuals to take breaks and prioritize their well-being when needed.
Digolis acknowledged the potential pressures of political life and the relentless scrutiny of social media, which can contribute to mental health challenges. She cited former Liberal premier Peter Gutwein's experience with burnout as another example of the importance of prioritizing mental health.
Support and Understanding for Street
Labor MLC Luke Edmunds expressed his support for Street, acknowledging the difficulty of making such a statement in a public-facing role. He emphasized the importance of providing a supportive work environment and maintaining respectful discourse in politics, particularly regarding mental health issues.
Street's decision to prioritize his mental health and openly discuss his challenges is a significant step towards breaking down stigma and promoting understanding. His actions serve as an example for others facing similar struggles and encourage open conversations about mental health within the political sphere.