Focus on Crisis Support During Men’s Health Week 2012
Release date: 12 June 2012
Aussie males frequently champion the idea ‘she’ll be right mate’, however when it comes to a crisis or a mental health issue we must reposition this idea to ‘it’s okay to seek help mate’.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure Australian men freely seek help without fear of stigmatisation. In fact, it is much braver to be a help seeker than to internalise problems, often making matters worse.
Men’s Health Week 2012 puts the focus on men’s wellness. The catch cry is “Health is a product of the way we interact with the world around us”.
Lifeline is a big part of this ‘world around us’ when it comes to crisis support and suicide prevention for men.
It’s a sad fact that the suicide rate of men is almost four times greater than that of women. When it comes to young men, suicide is the single largest cause of death in Australia.
Every Australian life is precious, and as Australians we must ensure that our men are connecting with people that can help them.
At a time of crisis, or at a time when dark suicidal thoughts exhibit themselves, Lifeline has friendly, well trained and empathetic crisis supporters available 24 hours a day 7 days a week on our 13 11 14 crisis telephone line.
For help seekers more comfortable with a social media style interaction, Lifeline also has an Online Crisis Support Chat which operates between 8pm and midnight 7 days a week.
Men, you are never alone; Lifeline is here to help.
For further information or comment contact: John Mendel 0408 407 376