Term 2 Week 8 Thursday

One in seven Australian men experiences depression or anxiety or both in any year. A figure that only increases. In Australia, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women and approximately seven men die by suicide a day. But why? Why are these stats so much higher amongst men? There are many reasons why but there is one that stands out. Many men just don’t know how to deal with mental health problems. They don't feel as though it is comfortable to talk about it to their parents, mates or professionals. They want to fulfil the masculine stereotype of hiding their emotion. This simply isn’t true at all. There is no such thing as having to fulfil this stereotype. I encourage you all to be comfortable with yourselves and don’t let these barriers stop you from reaching out. Mental health is a serious problem in Australia and we all know that. The things that change people's thoughts about about mental health is hearing from some they know. Identifying my mental health issues and doing something about it was one of the scariest things in my life. Although after I sought help I soon realised it was the proudest thing that I've done. At first it was a struggle, but over the years it became easier and easier to talk about. I am now at the stage where I'm comfortable talking in front of my peers. I hold my head strong with pride as I know that I overcame that barrier of fear. If I was to ask this year group one favour I would simply ask that you guys accept that mental health is a problem in our society and that we can help all those who need it. The most important part of my message here today is to let you all know that support is there for you guys and that it's ok not to be ok.