Men's Health Week - Mental Health

So what is men's health week all about?

Men’s Health Week is part of an international health awareness initiative in the US, Europe, and Australasia. This week is dedicated to highlighting common health issues faced by men and promoting awareness of the measures they can take to address these concerns.

This includes health issues such as rural health, dental health, hearing health, heart health, diabetes, prostate, eating well and mental health to name a few.

The University of Canterbury highlighted that New Zealand has some of the most concerning mental health statistics globally, with men being disproportionately affected.

Anxiety and depressive disorders appear to be most common forms of mental illness. Everyone occasionally experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness; however, when these emotions become so intense and overwhelming that they begin to interfere with everyday activities like work, leisure, and relationships, it may indicate the presence of something deeper occurring internally.

Suicide rates in New Zealand are also high, with rates for men being 3 times that of women. Māori suicide rates are also much higher than that of non-Māori.

Previously men's mental health was something not widely spoken about, particularly due to the stigma attached to it. The stereotype and expectation that men should be strong and not show any emotion/s is now gradually becoming a thing of the past.

So how can we support the men in our lives?

Check in with them, be a listening ear, a warm presence and a support system for them. Let them know it's okay to not be okay and that there is support that they can access.

What support is there?

There are a range of free online support systems as well as helplines available such as:

Anxiety - 0800 269 438

Depression - depression.org.nz or 0800 111 757 or text 4202

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.co.nz or 0508 828 865 (Suicide Crisis Helpline)

Need to Talk - 1737

If in immediate danger, dial 111

There's also the Men's Health Week website I've linked below:

Welcome - Men's Health Week (menshealthweek.co.nz)

There's also Tough Talk, which again has some great tools and resources for men's mental wellbeing: Tough Talk | Men's Mental Health | Homepage

For further information regarding support please reach out:

halen@wellbeingcounselling.co.nz