MetLife’s powerful adviser podcast raises awareness of adviser mental health issues
Sydney February 02, 2021
The latest episode of MetLife Australia’s MetLife Insights podcast, originally launched in June 2020 to support advisers, covers one of the biggest challenges facing the advice industry today – mental health and suicide. The episode, which builds on the mental health support program launched by MetLife in October, features the wife of an adviser who took his own life in February 2020.
The powerful interview shares the experience of one adviser, his struggle and the impact on his family. Suicide amongst financial advisers is significantly higher than the national average (3.25 times higher in 2019), and it is estimated that this number will have increased in 2020.
Aiming to raise awareness amongst advisers and encourage them to seek help, Michelle* talks candidly about what happened in the lead up to her husband’s suicide. The podcast can be accessed here and listener discretion is advised as the content is confronting.
In the interview conducted by MetLife Australia’s National Retail Distribution manager - Rachel Towell, Michelle* shares an important message for advisers: “Ask for help…What people don’t realise is that probably the only problem in the world that there isn’t a solution for is death. Everything else you can solve it one way or another but you most likely won’t be able to solve it on your own...if you’re struggling, put up your hand, ask for help… before it’s too late.”
The podcast is the 10th in the ongoing podcast series to support advisers in a rapidly changing COVID-19 environment. Originally planned to expand to other topics, this latest installment of the podcast is the first to explore suicide and forms part of the ongoing support MetLife provides to advisers.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
The development and release of this podcast has been done in consultation with SuperFriend and the Association of Financial Advisers.
* (names have been changed for privacy)
Media Contact
Sarah Kelly
MetLife Australia
+61 (0)411 893 890
About MetLife
MetLife Insurance Limited (MetLife), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is a specialist provider of life insurance to affinity partners, superannuation trustees and employers in Australia. MetLife has expertise in designing and executing direct insurance programs for partners’ customers and insurance solutions to meet the needs of specific member groups. MetLife has been a specialist provider of life risk insurance products in Australia since 2005. For more information, visit metlife.com.au.
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit metlife.com.