Men’s health week – Building healthy environments for men and boys

Why are weeks like this important?

Ultimately, men are far less likely than women to seek help if they’re feeling down. There are a variety of reasons for this, including:

1. Men aren’t encouraged to tune into their sensitive side.
2. Men have a tendency to brush off their problems.
3. Men face more obstacles that prevent them from opening up, like social stigmas.

As a result, suicide in males is incredibly high. According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, the suicide rate for males increased between 2011 and 2020 from 16.2 to 18.6 deaths per 100,000, making it the leading cause of death for 15-44 year olds. This harrowing statistic becomes worse for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, with suicide now the second leading cause of death overall. This compares to 10th for females.

When we compare all suicide rates to women, the gender disparities are clear across all backgrounds. In 2020 there were 3,139 deaths by suicide. 2384 were males and 744 females. But it’s not just here where men are losing their lives more so than women:

• In 2020 1163 people died from a motor vehicle accident. 870 were males, 293 were females.
• In 2020 there were 1842 drug-induced deaths. 1187 were male and 655 female.
• In 2020 1452 people died of an alcohol-induced death. 1056 were male, 396 were female.

Through a series of promotions, events and publicity around the country, events like Men’s Health Week is designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health in order to reduce some of these numbers.

Have you noticed something different with someone you know recently?

Rome wasn’t built in a day and, like the great Italian city, it’s going to take time for the social stigma surrounding men’s mental health to improve. Until then, it’s important we look out for signs in our friends, family or co-workers that suggest they might be feeling low. If someone you know hasn’t seemed themselves lately ask yourself:

• Does he seem a bit more on edge than usual?
• Has he become quieter in a social situation or even in a group chat?
• Has he stopped wanting to come to social events altogether?
• Has he stopped turning up to sporting events or training?

If you feel like your male friend, family-member or co-worker is showing any of these signs, then use the ALEC model to navigate a conversation with him:

ASK  

Start by mentioning the thing you’ve noticed that has caused suspicion e.g. “You’ve not quite seemed yourself recently. Are you okay?”

Trust your instinct. Remember that “I’m fine” is a common response to this sort of question, so don’t be afraid to ask twice.

LISTEN  

Give your full attention to their answer. Don’t feel under pressure to know how to help them immediately, just let them know that you’re all ears.

Follow up with more questioning, like: “That can’t be easy. How long have you felt that way?”

ENCOURAGE ACTION  

Suggest some simple action that might improve the person’s wellbeing. Is he getting enough sleep, exercising enough, or eating properly?

Perhaps there could be someone else he could talk to? Whether that be another friend or a family member. Another confidant may be able to help as well. If you think the feelings are particularly dark, then recommend he contact a doctor or a mental health professional.

CHECK-IN  

Ensure you catch up with him soon — in person if you can.

If you can’t meet face-to-face, then drop him a message to show that you care. You’ll hopefully get an indication if he’s feeling better and if he requires further support.

How to get involved in Men’s Health Week

Co-ordinated by the Centre for Male Health at Western Sydney University, organisations, individuals and community groups are encouraged to participate in the week by running an event and promoting it on the MHW website.

This year’s theme focuses on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings.

Head to the Men’s Health Week website where you’ll find tools to register and promote community events. It also provides contact details for interested people to find out what is happening and who to talk to.

If you do want to set up an event, the Western Sydney University has five recommendations:

1. Keep it simple and make it fun. “Don’t overthink what you have to do to make it ‘healthy’. Think of activities that are likely to be fun for your target group. ”
2. Make the event male-friendly. “Use visuals that display dads and kids or real-world men in different settings and have a mix of male and female workers at the event. ”
3. Go where men are: Ask yourself where men will come across information about your event. Use peer networks, friends, workplaces, sporting clubs and partners to promote your event.
4. Be patient. It can take time to establish an event.
5. Include accessible health information. “Put information into a showbag rather than leave it open to pick and choose from – that way, blokes might take it home and have a quiet read.”

Need Support?

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36

Open Arms – Veterans & Family Counselling: 1800 18 7263

Sane Australia – 1800 18 7263

Your Company’s EAP Provider – Converge’s number is: 1300 687 327 or visit https://convergeinternational.com.au/ to book an appointment with a mental health professional.