Men are three times more likely than women to take their own life. It's a fact that we need to talk about more as Aussie Blokes struggle with the idea of masculinity and what that looks like. But how can we all help? Two men are on a mission driven by the need to look after the men around them.
Guest Speakers
Zac Seidler is a registered psychologist and current PhD student at The University of Sydney. Zac is a strong advocate for improving men’s access to the mental health care that they want and need, rather than what is easiest. Whenever he broaches the topic of male depression with friends, everyone sighs and says “not the men thing again,” and that’s how he knows the message is getting across. He loves drumming and is addicted to the ocean, his self-described ‘dive therapy’.
Gus Worland is an Australian television and radio personality. He is best known for his series of television programs “An Aussie Goes” and more recently in his role as co-host of Triple M’s breakfast show, The Grill Team since 2009. Outside of his radio commitments Gus is also known for his ABC TV series, Man Up. Man Up is an exploration of modern masculinity and men’s mental health issues – challenging masculine stereotypes, getting men better connected and breaking the silence around suicide. After the success of Man Up and losing a very close friend and life mentor to suicide, Gus wanted to make a difference, so started a foundation called Gotcha4life. Gus’s goal is to shift the relationship between current masculine norms, including stoic beliefs and suicide. To discover the secrets for men to survive in the modern world, Gus wants to help and support people who are making a difference, saving lives and redefining what it really means to be a man today.
Background
There are traditional and rigid aspects of masculinity that tell boys and men to act tough and be stoic. These aspects of traditional masculinity are associated with suicidal ideation and research has found that men that conform to these norms are twice as likely to report having thoughts of suicide.
Facts and Statistics
The Man Box: A study on being a young man in Australia -This report focuses on attitudes to manhood and the behaviours of young Australian men aged 18 to 30.
Beyond the Emergency: A national study of ambulance responses to men’s mental health – This report investigates the scale and nature of ambulance call-outs to men experiencing mental health issues, self-harm or suicidal behaviour.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. A snapshot of men’s health in regional and remote Australia – This report provides a snapshot of rural men’s health and provides a comparison of these issues in rural and urban areas.
Resources
Click here to listen to our podcast ‘Men’s Mental Health’ podcast from Series 2. This episode explores what men can do to look after themselves when they feel like they might not be coping and ways they can get help.
Man Up – a three-part documentary series and social awareness campaign developed and produced by Gus Worland that aims to get to the bottom of the male suicide crisis, effect real social change and hopefully even save lives.
MensLine – provides articles for men on the topics of mental health and wellbeing, suicide, relationships and parenting.
Help Services
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health, you can call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 for advice.
Having a tough time and need someone to talk to right now? The following services are there to listen and help you out. They are confidential and available 24/7.
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service– 1300 659 467
- Kids Help Line (for young people aged 5 to 25) – 1800 55 1800
MensLine – 1300 78 99 78
MensLine Australia offers a confidential telephone and online (both 24hrs/7day) support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns as well as mental health concerns. The service is staffed by qualified professionals experienced in men’s issues.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service – 1800 250 015
ADIS is a 24/7, confidential telephone service providing information, support, referral and counselling on topics such as illegal and legal drugs, parent advice and detoxification.
Beyondblue Support Service – 1300 224 636
The Beyondblue Support Service offers confidential online (3pm-12am/7 days) and telephone (24hr/7days) counselling, support and referrals from trained professionals.
Men’s Sheds are a space for men to hang out with a few mates, build a few things and give back to the community. Find your nearest Men’s Shed here.
My Compass is a free online self-help program for adults experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. There is a specific activity for men on myCompass called ‘Man Central’.
Articles
Raising boys in the era of #metoo and ‘toxic masculinity’
ABC News, 26 January 2019
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