MAN UP...

“Man Up”…it is the most common phrase that any boy is told when they feel sad, hurt, or is in any kind of physical pain. There is an expectation to not show emotion or to always act as though you are invincible, even when the reality may be far from it. It is during these crucial years that belief systems are formed, and agreements are made with self as to how one will behave in life “as a man”. And now we live in a country where…

• An average of 6.9 people commit suicide every day in Australia. Up to 80% of those deaths are men.

• The top age bracket for male suicide is 85 years plus.

• The second highest age bracket for male suicide is 45-54 years. 

• Suicide accounted for 27.8% of all deaths amongst young men aged 15 to 24.

I just want you to read those stats again. Take them in. Don't skim over them. These could be people ever so close to you. It's a mess out there!

Whilst people are noticing that mental illness is starting to make a huge impact on their families and society, I don’t believe there is enough emphasis on the TREATMENT of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. GP’s will prescribe pills and send people on their way, which quite honestly I find appalling. I think it’s time we all start talking about this issue more and taking action. It is estimated that 1 in 8 Australian men over the age of 16 will suffer from depression, and not enough of them are getting the help they need. I always ask my clients "why are you depressed?" and they always look at me with a strange look and never know the answer. We need to find the cause! (which is where I come in)  

Here’s an interesting fact…in Australia, it is estimated that 45% of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. I treat people every day in my wellness business, and I think you would find that each and every person you meet is suffering some kind of anxiety, stress or depression on some level, and at different times in their life. It might just be a day, or a week, or around a specific circumstance or person. It’s a scale…for each and every person, and that scale moves depending on life. So what if I said we’re all on the scale. That 100% of people are capable of experiencing a myriad of mental and emotional issues…would I be right? Damn right. So if we’re all experiencing all of these things, then lets start talking about it in a more “healing” way. Lets focus on addressing the cause, not treating the symptoms.

Are enough people getting the help they need? The simple answer is no. So what can we do to help? How can we actually treat these issues instead of masking them with pills? 72% of people did not seek any treatment before they committed suicide.  With less people seeking help it is going to lead to more issues in the future for families, relationships, generations, family violence, suicide, and an increased number of people suffering from depression.

So guess what? It is time for men to “Man Up”. It’s time for men to admit when there is a problem and it’s time for them to ask for help. You can start by visiting my website www.integratedmenshealth.com.au or call me on 0401541571 for a free health assessment (aka chat!). And of course you can find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/integratedmenshealthsolutions. 

Catherine Lyell

Managing Director