MOVEMBER IS TACKLING MEN’S HEALTH!
The Month of November is dedicated to Men’s Health, including Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.
Across the world, men die an average six years younger than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Which means that it doesn’t have to be that way: we can all take action to live healthier, happier and longer lives.
WE CAN’T AFFORD TO LET THIS CONTINUE.
To speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If life is in danger, call 000 or go directly to emergency services.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE!
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected.
The rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Around the world, on average we lose a man to suicide every minute of every day. Six out of 10 suicides are men. Too many are toughing it out and struggling alone.
FACTS!
Mental illness is very common.
Australians are more likely to die by suicide than skin cancer, yet we know comparatively little about the processes that lead to suicide and how and when to effectively intervene.
Every year:
- Over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt.
- More than 3,000 Australians died by suicide in 2017.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age.
- Young Australians are more likely to take their own life than die in motor vehicle accidents.
- In 2017, about 75% of people who died by suicide were males and 25% were females.
- In 2017, the suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was approximately twice that of non-Indigenous Australians.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a common medical condition. It can cause a low mood that doesn’t go away and makes us feel very sad or withdrawn. It interferes with the way we go about our everyday lives and can make it hard to cope.
Some people describe it as being in a really dark place that’s difficult to come back from. Others describe it as a numb feeling.
It’s important to get help to manage depression. There are lots of ways to treat it, and you can feel better.
SYMPTOMS!
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a problem:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
If symptoms of depression are severe, last for two weeks or more, and affect your functioning at home or at work, you may need to see a health professional. Having one or two symptoms by themselves is unlikely to indicate depression. However, there could be physical causes for your symptoms which may warrant medical assessment.
If you are feeling suicidal, contact Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support service on 13 11 14 or seek immediate help from a GP, psychiatrist or psychologist.
SUICIDE & SELF HARM!
Abstract Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities. These facts can be confronting; however, suicide can be prevented.
The causes of suicide are complex. Factors that may contribute to suicide include:
- stressful life events
- trauma
- mental illness
- physical illness
- drug or alcohol abuse
- poor living circumstances
If you or someone that you know are having suicidal thoughts, talking about self-harm or are noticeably in serious distress, then please contact Emergency services on 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
TALK.
ASK.
LISTEN.
ENCOURAGE ACTION.
CHECK IN.
Reach out, take action, and look after ourselves and each other. Start a conversation today. It’s not always easy, but it’s important.
It is important that if you are experiencing anything which is not normal for you to speak to you GP.
If you think a friend or family member is going through a tough time, or if you need support yourself, check out these services:
LifeLine Ph: 13 11 14
Mensline Ph: 1300 78 9978
Kids Helpline Ph: 1800 55 1800
SANE Australia Ph: 1800 18 7263
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Ph: 1800 011 046
Also, we have linked the Depression Self Test – Please note that while great care has been taken with the development of this self-test, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional clinical advice. While the results of the self-test may be of assistance to you, users should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions they have regarding their health.