World Mental Health Day: Your Mate's Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
Australia has made great strides in addressing mental health concerns in recent years, but we still have a long way to go, especially when it comes to men's mental health.
Men in Australia face unique challenges when it comes to reaching out for help for their mental wellbeing. Australian society's expectations about masculinity are definitely changing, but can still discourage blokes from expressing their emotions or reaching out for support when they're struggling. This stigma surrounding mental health can lead to dire consequences.
The Statistics
The statistics regarding men's mental health and suicide in Australia are alarming:
High Suicide Rates: Men in Australia are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2019, the suicide rate for men was 19.1 per 100,000 compared to 5.5 per 100,000 for women.
Age Matters: Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-44, and the majority of these cases are men.
Regional Disparities: Rural and remote areas often face higher suicide rates, with men living in these regions being more vulnerable.
Support Services
Most major cities and towns in Australia now have incredible groups getting blokes together to walk, chat, share a coffee to try to increase the feeling of support, and a safe place to share. If you have access, check out groups like:
Right Mate - Geelong, Victoria
The Man Walk - Australia wide
The Men’s Table - Australia wide
Meetup - groups promoted in many suburbs, towns and cities across Australia
Self Seen - New South Wales
and of course…. 100words!
There’s loads of services in Australia dedicated to promoting men's mental health and offering support to those in crisis, including:
Lifeline: Lifeline is a national crisis support service available 24/7. They provide a confidential and non-judgmental space for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing thoughts of suicide. Men who may be hesitant to reach out to friends or family can find comfort in knowing that Lifeline is there to listen and help. Their phone number, 13 11 14, is a lifeline for many Australians in their darkest hours.
Black Dog Institute: The Black Dog Institute is dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating mental illness. They offer resources and tools to help individuals manage their mental health effectively. Their research and programs are crucial in tackling the stigma around mental health and providing evidence-based support for men and women alike.
The Courageous Man: Their mission is to support men and women to develop self and relational awareness, and show up as whole people, and equals, in their relationships.
The Man Cave: The Man Cave are a preventative mental health and emotional intelligence charity that empowers boys to become great men.
In the lead up to World Mental Health Day, we just have to acknowledge the urgency of addressing the mental health challenges faced by men in Australia. The statistics surrounding men's mental health and suicide are deeply concerning, but there is hope. By promoting open conversations about mental health and encouraging men to seek help when needed, we can make progress in reducing these alarming statistics.
Encourage blokes to talk, your brother, dads, mates, partner, uncles - all of them. Ask them “how is your day out of ten"?’ and then ask them why.
Let's work together to ensure that every day becomes a day when men's mental health is a priority, not just on World Mental Health Day.