Public letter of support for Australian business giant James Packer; #metoo (but for #mensheathmatters) , by Greg Tingle Media Man Int

Public letter of support for Australian business giant James Packer; #metoo (but for #mensheathmatters) , by Greg Tingle - March 2018

Gonzo journalism style (coffee, not drugs or alcohol); Humor and looking on the bright side is good for the soul

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James Packer

Upon recently learning of, and re confirming my believe that Australian business tycoon, James Packer, has battled depression of and on over the years, got me thinking...

Firstly, I just wanted to write a public letter of support for Mr. Packer. I have never met the man in person, but we do share some mutual friends, associates and clients etc. Packer and his associates have also facilitated some business for me over the years.

James making a public acknowledgment of his bout of depression is brave, bold, and a breath of fresh air in the Australian business landscape.

A few months back I heard an expression from one of the organisations that I've assisted and that is: It's Not Weak To Speak (in fact, it can show strength of character to show a vulnerability).

In the world of sports and entertainment many a tough and successful bloke has shed a tear and admitted some tough times. This list includes Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), Ric Flair, Vince Russo, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Wally Lewis and we could go on. I believe a true man is comfortable enough in himself that he will disclose some tough times or issues, even shed a tear, be it in a one on one situation, to a group of people, or even broadcast to the world.

Make no mistake, Packer has guts, balls and is a smart businessman. Yes, you win some and you loose some. Packer know who he is, and he knows its time for a break. Not the Crown Resorts share price has stabilized in the past few days, as well it should. Did you know that many folks working in and around the stockmarket have had issues with drug use - cocaine. Shock, horror, surprise - Not. It's probably an occupational hazard if your working the financial markets. I've never had a drug or alcohol problem. I'm part addicted to coffee, namely cappuccinos, and the ocean is my medicine. Swimming and surfing is good for the body and soul, and is a much better "vice" than many other things than can be found in 'Sin City' Sydney.

Back to the essence of these public scribblings of support for those who are, or who ever had some depression or tough times - you are not alone.

Depression can be attributed to many things. Now, I'm not a doctor, however I have had some lived (1st hard experience), and I do have qualifications in Community Services Cert III, as well as being a qualified journalist, so I do know a thing or two about the subject.

Over the past decade I've been putting bits of pieces of information of my own sometimes depression into the public domain, but I wanted to thank a few folks for helping break down the stigma on the subject, and perhaps the stigma is gone now. Thank you to James Packer, Richard Branson, Dwyane Johnson, Tom Carroll, Mark Matthews, Ric Flair and Terry Bollea. These awesome fellas have made me feel more comfortable to speak about my own battles.

My own story with the 'black dog' is a long one, but its mainly associated with loss. Emotional loss and financial loss. A quick summary of some of my own life's journey and matters than sparked it: My late fathers death, my marriage breakdown, divorce and loss of family home in 2000. The cumulative effect of these matter changed my life and career direction, resulting in my entry into the news media, journalism and entertainment industry. It was 2001 when I completed my News Media and Journalism course at Petersham TAFE. I found this course very therapeutic in that I felt I was able to break free from some depression. Writing, be it creative writing, full on journalism, or even poetry can be a release. I also find art relaxing and good for the soul. I'm an amateur artist, specializing in the fields of bodypainting and bodyart, as well as photography and what I call photo art. To lighten up things for a moment, please have a look at some of my photography, art and media endeavors:

Greg Tingle Photography Facebook

Media Man Int Instagram

Cafe News Media Facebook

Maroubra Business Media Facebook

Human Statue Bodyart: Media Man Int online portfolio

Interviews - Media Man Int

I also wanted to take this opportunity to not only show the public support for James Packer, as well as helping break down any remaining taboos on health, namely public heath..

Some of you will know this, some wont... In the course of my life and career I have over achieved in many areas of sport and business. This includes:

Australian Army Reserve: Fittest and Most Improved Recruit (Northern Beaches)

Warringah Rats (Rugby Union). 1987 Premierships. I played wing

Wrestler vs Boxer match against a former NSW Boxing Champion. Long story, but I dominated the match at an age of 43!

Former Optus and Telstra 'Salesperson Of The Month (various times between 1996 to 2001).

Creation, financial backing and overseen the operation of two business. A restaurant and a media company (Media Man Int and Media Man Australia)

Interviewed 100s of people including the Prime Minster of Australia

Front page and leading local, national, stage and international news stories. Creation, execution and management

Sold and project managed high end luxury art projects including closed deals on art projects up to $10,000 in value, and I could go on.

Friends, the above accomplishments are not brags by any means. I am demonstrating in real and raw terms that you can be a very high achiever in aspects of your life and career, and still experienced depression at some time, or even on numerous occasions.

I say, count your blessings, focus on positives and do things that make your happy. Happiness is wealth. It's true, holistic and sustainable wealth. Money and come and go. I know this too. I have been rich, I have been broke, but when I am most happy I feel like the wealthiest person in the world.

I also wanted to further promote the idea and concept of equality in society. I don't care about job titles, nor do I care about the car one drives, or your address, or how much money you have in your bank account. I care about the heart an soul or a person. What makes them tick, are they are good person and you get the idea.

Equality in society can also pertain to whether one is a man or a woman, and how they are treated in various situations. Discrimination can come in many forms, some hidden and some not so obvious. I think for the longest time we have heard about 'Women's Rights". I say, what about Human Rights. Rights for men, rights for animals, and what's right for the world. I understand some of the essence of the #metoo campaign, but there's nothing wrong in the same thing, or something of the equivalent for men.

We need more people to care and take action for Mother Earth. Maybe we need to change the name 'Mother' Earth, as there's no prove their female, but I like the term, but get the point. Also, some used to say God was a man. Who is to say or know exactly what or who is God. I like the term, God is everywhere and everyone. Primarily, God is good. Of course, some people don't believe in God, but that's another story for another time, or will be hear forever, and we've already dragged side issues into this letter of support, which has developed into something considerable more.

Closing thoughts... more respect in the world. For our fellow person, famous or not, care for Mother Earth, Mother Nature, and more focus on being happy, rather than just the pursuit of financial wealth or statue.

Heath, happiness, good friends and family - these are more true measuring sticks of a person.

Again, thank you to the brave and bold men and women who have shared they own stories of trials and tribulations, and overcoming the odds. If we can save at least one life by sharing some of our own story, it is worth it.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.

Public thank you

One Wave Is All It Takes

Waves Of Wellness

Virgin Unite

My doctor

A very special lady in my life

My friends, mum and family

Anyone who I have every had good experiences with, be it Dwayne Johnson, Terry Bollea, Ric Flair, or those folks not so famous. You know who you are.

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