There’s no denying that mental health is one of the great equalisers when it comes to our health. In Australia alone, one in five individuals between 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. Regardless of gender, age or social standing. But just as these statistics bind us all together, when it comes to seeking help and speaking up blokes are definitely falling behind.
National Men’s Health Week is thus an important opportunity to open up the discussion with the men in your life on all things mental health. Supporting someone going through mental health struggles can be tough, but knowing how to approach the subject and support the men in your life if you’re concerned is key when it comes to men’s health week this year.
- IDENTIFY IT
Although easier said than done, seeking out support and encouraging the men our lives to take it up when needed is key here. It’s a vital part of your role to remember too – it’s easy to feel a sense of pressure to have answers, to fix things or to not know how to help. Your role is to listen and be there. It’s important to support men struggling with their mental health by seeking out a professional who can take on the task, from conducting a mental status exam to offering effective treatment and therapy options. Things that can help are asking if making the booking on their behalf might be easier, or accompanying a father/brother/husband/partner/mate to that first appointment.
- REACH OUT
Although easier said than done, seeking out support and encouraging the men our lives to take it up when needed is key here. It’s a vital part of your role to remember too – it’s easy to feel a sense of pressure to have answers, to fix things or to not know how to help. Your role is to listen and be there. It’s important to support men struggling with their mental health in seeking out a professional who can take on the professional role. Things that can help are asking if making the booking on their behalf might be easier, or accompanying a father/brother/husband/partner/mate to that first appointment.
- JOINING THE JOURNEY
It’s incredibly important to seek the help and guidance from a qualified professional when it comes to signifiant mental health concerns, however there are things we can do and be alongside men who are struggling. Encouraging a solid sleep routine, regular balanced meals, daily activity/exercise in some form, and social contact with a catch up/hang out/outing are all important parts to protecting mental health.
- STICK IT TO STIGMA
Stigma and stereotyping when it comes to mental health has improved in recent years, but we’ve still got a long way to go. Studies show stigma around masculine norms and fears of mental struggles being a sign of weakness still hold men back in particular when it comes to reaching out and seeking help. We thus do our part for the fathers, brothers, sons, partners, mates and work colleagues in our lives when we speak out around mental health ourselves and do even little bits to bring down barriers and shame when it comes to men and mental illness. There is only strength in speaking out about struggling and just like physical health issues, moving through tough times with our mental health are never a sign of weakness.
If you’re concerned about your own mental health, or someone you know – reach out to Lifeline 13 11 14, BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636 or google “mental health” + your local area
