Local MP Greg Warren says we should all be concerned with figures that show 1,885 Australian men took their own life in 2013.
That’s five men every single day on average.
And one in eight Australian men or 12 percent -according to Australian Bureau of Statistics covering the years between 2001 and 2011-12 – suffers from depression at any given time.
The State Member for Campbelltown today visited the Airds Bradbury men’s shed to discuss the importance of men’s mental health as part of the annual Men’s Health Week and the positive role the organisation plays in the local community.
Mr Warren afterwards said that part of the message for Men’s Health Week was urging men across Australia to take the time to enjoy the things in life that made them happy.
Organised by Western Sydney University for June 12-18, Men’s Health Week is running hundreds of local fundraisers and special events across Australia to give men and boys the chance to engage with the people and communities that help keep them healthy.
“Men’s Health Week is a great initiative by Western Sydney University, and I would like to congratulate them on the work they do,’’ Mr Warren said.
“The Airds Bradbury men’s shed get together to talk about men’s health issues and learn new skills in a positive peer group environment.
“Local men’s sheds not only play a big role in contributing back to their communities through the work they do, but provide essential support to men suffering with mental illnesses in an environment they often feel more comfortable discussing their health issues.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“A lot of blokes think that they’ll look weak if they admit they’re going through a tough time.[/social_quote]
“Don’t think that you’ll just get better or that it’s something you can pull yourself out of.
“I encourage all men in our local area to come down and have a chat with the blokes at the Airds Bradbury men’s shed if you need advice or want to have a chat with someone about your mental health.”
One of the least known fact about suicide is that the highest rate of suicide is in the over 85 yo men. This is because they cannot get assisted dying when their lives become unbearable and are fored to starve themselves to death as my late brother did
We’ve just met with our local Men’s Shed as part of #MHW2017 – https://twitter.com/HealthwatchNS/status/874942531443863552