Sharing such details in private, with a close and trusted family member, friend or professional, is one thing.

Try doing it on the front page of a regional newspaper.

When Dr Holland and his family agreed to share their personal mental health journeys it was not to gain headlines for themselves - it was to gain headlines for a cause.

That cause is the immediate provision of better mental health services for the Eurobodalla Shire.

There is plenty that can be done while we await the construction of a new regional hospital.

In Dr Holland's words: "We need improved primary outpatient community services. We need support for general practitioners, mental health nurses and psychologists. We need youth mental health services. We need drug and alcohol services. We need comprehensive perinatal and early parenting mental health services."

And "we need acute adult inpatient services in a level 4 regional base hospital".

That's right, a level 4 regional base hospital. No longer can the Eurobodalla be expected to export its vulnerability to Queanbeyan, Canberra, Nowra or Bega.

Admitting weakness is just that: admitting weakness. It still carries a risk in our culture, when we are judged on youth, strength and, ultimately, on winning.

In that context, admitting weakness is the ultimate sign of strength.

So many of us are the walking wounded - but we carry on and continue to shoulder big responsibilities for our families and our communities.

Many of us bear the scars of inter-generational family patterns, inflicted in a harsher time.

Some of us are just unlucky.

With the right systems in place, we can bounce back or at least lead a life with some light.

We are pleased both the Coalition and Labor candidates for Gilmore are promising funds for a youth Headspace facility - even if they disagree on the funds required and the definition of a "full-scale service".

Now bring on a level 4 regional base hospital.