IMPERFECTLY HUMAN

Famous faces supporting mental health and suicide prevention

There is something refreshingly raw and honest about these images of well-known faces. Sydney photographer Glenn Marsden has captured a rare vulnerability in these celebrities in his Imperfectly Perfect Campaign, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

More than 70 local and international actors and media personalities, including Rebecca Gibney, Grant Denyer, Sunrise’s Sam ‘Sam Mac’ McMillan and Prison Break star Dominic Purcell agreed to be involved in the campaign, sharing their mental health experiences.

On social media, Roxy Jacenko, whose husband Oliver Curtis spent time in prison for inside trading, wrote alongside her photo: “I have experienced the darkest days, and I think there is nothing wrong with being upfront and candid.” Jeremy Jackson is a surprise face in the campaign. He played David Hasselhoff ’s lovable on-screen son Hobie Buchannon in hit US series Baywatch and has had a well-publicised battle with addiction. “We’re only as sick as our secrets,” he says. “We need to break down the wall that it’s not OK to talk about this [mental health].”

Marsden says he was inspired by the loss of a friend who took his own life, saying he wanted “to give people the opportunity to genuinely express their emotions”. He adds the campaign is about accepting who we are as people – imperfections and all.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14. Go to gofundme.com and search for ‘Imperfectly Perfect Campaign’ or visit the website imperfectlyperfectcampaign.org.

Award-winning actress and producer Rebecca Gibney has been a familiar face on our screens since the 1980s. The 54-year-old Packed to the Rafters and Wanted star has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety in the past. Speaking about mental health, Gibney said: “To anyone who is suffering in silence, please know you are not alone. There is always someone who will listen.”

Patrick O’Connor is best known for playing River Boy Dean Thompson in hit Channel Seven series Home and Away since February 2018.

“The Imperfectly is a Perfect Campaign Sky brilliant concept,” says. News’ Julie Snook “At a time when the on world is so focused filters and perfection, see it’s refreshing to such vulnerability.”

“I think everyone suffers from depression at different levels for different reasons,” Manu Feildel says. “I think the first thing that can help to get away from that is talking.”