Checking on your mates – let’s face it – can be a difficult conversation for many men.
On average nine Australian’s die by suicide every day, seven of those are men.
For Sunshine Coast Health Medical Director of Child and Youth Mental Health Services Chris Lilley, the numbers are alarming.
“We know that there are treatment and care opportunities for men in both physical and mental health and it’s important to recognise that and create a situation where people can access it sooner rather than later,” Dr Lilley said.
This week is Men’s Health Week (June 15 – 21) encouraging men and young boys to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
Why is it hard for men to seek help?
Dr Lilley said men often find it difficult to start a conversation about their feelings.
“Men can sometimes think they’re bulletproof and that they don’t need care and attention,” Dr Lilley said.
“This pull your socks up approach is problematic.”
How do I help my mate who I suspect is doing it tough?
“It’s all about communication and opening the door for a conversation,” he said.
“It’s actually quite easy, but it’s about being brave enough to ask the first question.
“Men in the right environment will talk, and when they talk often, they’ll talk about what’s going on in their lives.”
Who can I go to for help with my own mental health?
“The most important place for men to start is actually with your general practitioner (GP),” he said.
“Most people’s healthcare needs get managed at that primary care level. They know all the local resources.”
In your experience, are men getting better at asking for help?
“Fortunately, we’re now in a situation where people will start discussing what’s going on in their health and that’s a good step in the right direction,” he said.
“We’ve still got a long way to go, and we really want to make sure that men have the best possible outcome for both their physical and their mental health.”
What other mental health advice would you give men?
“Mental health and physical health are very closely linked,” he said.
“Most of the things that are going to be helpful for your physical health, are also going to be helpful for your mental health.
“Getting out and getting some exercise, looking for relaxation in your life, making sure you get good sleep, managing your nutrition, reducing your alcohol all of those are really good strategies for managing your physical and mental health.”