Men's Mental Health Neglected - By Men

Release date: 16 Jun 2009

Lifeline Australia is calling on men throughout the country to be honest about their own mental health and wellbeing.

This week is Men’s Health Week and this year the focus is on preventative health and healthy behaviours. Lifeline Australia is using the opportunity to call on Australian men to take time to make sure they are mentally healthy.

“There is a real stigma attached to mental health issues amongst men,” Lifeline CEO Dawn O’Neil
said today.

“We know, for example, that only a third of our callers are men. We are concerned that many men
are not addressing their mental health issues properly, and might be creating much more serious
issues for themselves down the track due to this.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that around 80% of completed suicides in Australia are by
men.

“Men are just as susceptible to issues like depression as women, yet they are less likely to share
their feelings. We want men to not only help themselves, but help each other, look out for each other
and make sure everyone knows that it’s OK to talk about your mental health,” Ms O’Neil said.

Lifeline Australia has partnerships with MTAA Super and the NRL, aimed at helping men address
their mental health and wellbeing needs. Campaigns like ‘Read the Signs’ and ‘Help a Mate Stay in
the Game’ are focussed on helping men recognise that their friends may be experiencing a mental
health issue, and then help them talk about it.

“Just being willing to be part of a friend’s journey can make a big difference,” Ms O’Neil said. “Being
yourself, listening and suggesting help are just a few things men can do to assist their mates when
they need a shoulder to lean on.”

Lifeline is also encouraging men to call their 24-hour telephone counselling service on 13 11 14, if
they want someone to talk to. The service has both male and female volunteers, is totally
confidential and non-judgemental.

“Our volunteers are trained to talk to anyone about whatever might be on their minds. We are totally
non-judgemental and welcome callers from any background, and regardless of gender.”

For more information on the ‘Read the Signs’ and ‘Help a Mate Stay in the Game’ campaigns, go to
www.lifeline.org.au. You can also make a donation to assist Lifeline to undertake its important work.

For further information or comment contact:
Chris Wagner, Lifeline Australia, 02 6215 9446 or 0434 378 939

Media Contact: Chris Wagner (ph: 0434 378 939)