It’s Time To Talk About Men’s Mental Health

Recent figures show that 17% of men aged 18 and over had a self-reported mental or behavioural condition in 2014-15.

According to ABS General Manager of Population and Social Statistics,Dr. Paul Jelfs, said that the most common mental or behaviour conditions for Australian men were anxiety-related conditions and depression.

Dr Jelfs also stated that it’s important to get more men talking about how they’re feeling, with suicide being the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44 years in 2015.

In 2014, 60 per cent of men experienced personal stressors that had affected them, their family, or a close friend. “As physical health, financial and family stressors can all impact men’s mental health, it is important to stay in contact with people who are going through a stressful time.” said Dr Jelfs

Around 21 per cent of men had experienced a serious illness, 19 per cent reported a death of a family member or close friend, 17 per cent were unable to get a job, and 11 per cent experienced a divorce or separation.

According to Beyond Blue Australian men generally have lower rates of mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviour and face numerous barriers to help-seeking, such as stigma. In Australia, men account for 75 per cent of deaths by suicide.

Crisis help-lines

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 to 25 years): 1800 55 1800