Reflexion - Men’s Mental Health
Reflexion - Men’s Mental Health
REFLEXION - A recent article in ‘The Age’ (Sunday 25/05/25 I’d lost myself: how Steve found a way into the light) highlighted some of the specific needs and challenges for men’s mental health.
The proportion of suicide for men is in Australia is three quarters compared to women.
Traditionally men are seen as “bad at seeking help”. Professor Simon Rice (director of Movember Men’s Health Institute) challenges this stereotype as research suggests it could be that therapy styles are failing men who do try to seek help, and men’s depression presents differently from women’s.
Rice says a large study (soon to be released by Movember) will show two of the biggest risk factors affecting men’s mental health are emotional regulation, and rejection or relationship difficulties. We need to support men in their relationships. Also alcohol, drug use and a sense of disconnection are risk factors for men
Looking forward
According to Beyond Blue clinical psychologist, Luke Martin there has been a 32 per cent increase in men seeking help in the last 15 years. Luke says the health and community sectors must strive to connect men earlier.
The cost of mental health care can also be a barrier for treatment for some. Organisations such as Beyond Blue offer free services.
We need to work out how to encourage men to reach out sooner. There is power in safe conversations in safe places. At first it may be difficult and awkward, but when you verbalise and externalise it can become a place of strength.
It’s so important to start appropriately and sensitively starting the conversations with the men in our lives, hopefully we can all contribute to the well-being of men.
Does this surprise you?
Contact me if you would like to chat further…
By Yvonne Junor 🌈 Creative Well-Being Facilitator, Author 'Finding My Rainbow', Mental Health Advocate
https://www.rainbowconnexions.com/blog/reflexion-men’s-mental=health-by-yvonne-junor
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