When I becomes ‘we’, illness becomes ‘wellness’ 
 

"I did it because you needed it”, my father said. 

“You needed to talk. That was what was helping you”. 

Hi, my name is Jonathan Hart, I'm the South Australian-based founder of GLASS EMPTY, and community connector at The Whisperer Team. I experienced suicide distress 10 years ago. 

Without my father's care and concern during some of the toughest times of my life, I don't believe I would have made it through nine months of on-again, off-again suicidal thoughts. 

During a recent moment of reflection, I asked my dad, why he chose to walk with me on the beach every second or third day during that period, just listening, as I expressed my thoughts, feelings and emotions. His answer was simple but powerful: “You needed to talk.” 

At the time, I had been put on anti-depressants which worsened my anxiety. I was under immense financial stress running my own family business and trying to provide for a young family of six. My relationship was rocky, and I felt isolated. I had no close friendships, except for my dad, and I was addicted to scrolling through social media, searching for worth I couldn't find.  

Some days, I could barely get out of bed.  

I made it through that dark night of the soul. And I’ve used that experience to help others who are facing suicide distress, especially men who often suffer in silence due to stigma.  

In 2017, I travelled with my wife at the time and our four kids, filming inside iconic pubs. That journey led to the creation of Great Aussie Pubs.  When COVID hit in 2020, and pubs were restricted – no singing, no dancing – I realised I could do more for mental health support in these spaces. 

Statistics show that nearly 27% of people who die by suicide have alcohol in their system. Knowing this, and drawing from my own lived experience, I created suicide prevention education for pubs, founded The Whisperer Team, and launched GLASS EMPTY - a suicide signal designed to get people talking.  

What I’ve learned – and what I want others to know: 

1. Challenge the Aussie vernacular. 

   When you hear someone say, "She'll be right mate", gently inquire "But are ya alright, mate?" 
   Lean in. Listen. If their response worries you, be brave enough to ask again, "are you sure?"  or "do you need to talk about it?" 
   Changing how we speak could save lives. 

2. Community supporting community is the way forward.  

   When friends, family or colleagues aren't available, we need to know that community can step in. That’s where GLASS EMPTY and The Whisperer Team can help. I believe that when communities come together, we’ll see fewer suicides – here and around the world.  

3.  If you're struggling, remember you've survived every day so far. Keep going. 

   My 98-year-old grandmother always said: "If you're going through hell, keep going". 
   Reach out to someone you trust – a friend, a colleague, a family member, a Pub Whisperer, a counsellor, your doctor or a helpline. People care and you are not alone.  

Suicide intervention is a skillset everyone out to know. Being trustworthy, respectful, kind, and a good listener can make all the difference. You don’t need to be qualified to have a chat. Sometimes just showing up and starting the conversation is enough. 

Start the Chat. Make a Difference