Although we all go through difficult times in life, men and women can experience and react to these situations differently. Research shows that men are less likely to seek support for mental health issues and are less likely to disclose a mental health problem to friends or family.
It is important to remember that there are things we can do to get through tough times and we don’t have to go through it alone. Difficult times can be easier to manage with the right help and support.
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days). We are here to listen.
This tool kit is a self-help resource for men experiencing difficult times.
MensLine Australia is the national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues.
Visit: MensLine
Call: 1300 78 99 78
The Australian Men’s Sheds Association recognises a Men’s Shed as any community-based, non-profit, non-commercial organisation that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and healing environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men. A major objective is to advance the well-being and health of their male members and to encourage social inclusion.
Every Man supports men who are living with mental health issues, disabilities, are socially isolated, at risk of homelessness, men who use violence or are victims/survivors of violence, men who are ex-prisoners, or those having relationship or parenting difficulties. For over 20 years, Every Man has been working with men through tough times, using resources and specialist programs.
Visit: Every Man
Everyone knows that rural depression is an issue. But few have considered the issues that cause it.
Farmer Brendan Cullen reached such a dark place he regularly sat in his car shouting at himself or on his bed sobbing.
Today, it’s hard to believe the cheerful sheep station manager from Broken Hill found himself in such pain until he lists the many factors that caused it - isolation, being on duty 24/7, feeling reluctant to ask for help during drought, dealing with so much animal death he felt numb, constant pressure of new technology, being responsible for “the heartbeats of 10,000 sheep”, and burdening himself with unnecessary pressures.
Here he gifts us with his experience and the strategies he keeps in his 'tool kit' to keep mentally healthy.