Men’s Health Week 14-20 June 2010
Published:
June 10, 2010
headspace is encouraging young men to seek help if they’re concerned about their mental health.
Video Hits and Nova 100 presenter and headspace Men’s Health Week ambassador Dylan Lewis said, “Men need to start learning how to talk. We’re not very good at talking about feelings, about things that are going wrong. We like to pretend everything fine and if it’s not, we like to keep face. If there’s a problem, address it instead of pretending it’s not there because addressing it is the first step to getting something done about it.”
headspace CEO Chris Tanti said, “Mental health is the single biggest health issue facing young men today. Depression, anxiety and drug and alcohol use are key areas of concern, with men more than twice as likely as women to have drug and alcohol problems. Suicide is a leading cause of death for young men and overall male deaths by suicide outnumber female suicides by 3 to 1.
“Despite this, young men are less likely than young women to seek help.
“The health of an individual doesn’t just impact on that one person, it can have a significant effect on, and at times even burden, the people around them, their friends, family and community. Looking after your health looks after the community.
“It’s absolutely crucial that young men understand that help is available, for themselves and their friends. Organisations such as headspace provide confidential support for all young people, often free or at a low cost. We want young men to know headspace is somewhere to turn if they’re having a tough time.”
headspace provides a wide-range of accessible and non-stigmatising services, assisting young people with concerns about mental and physical health, drug and alcohol concerns and access to educational and vocational support.
headspace has 30 centres in both regional and metropolitan Australia that offer health advice, support and information for young people. A headspace centre is a youth-friendly place where young people can seek help and confidential services which are low cost or free.
Men’s Health Week takes place 14 - 20 June 2010. Men’s Health Week promotes awareness of important male specific health issues, while acknowledging and celebrating the contribution men make at work, home and in the community.
Men’s Health Week events at headspace
Townsville (Queensland)
Melbourne (Victoria) (video)
More Dylan Lewis
Dylan Lewis shares his thoughts on Men’s Health Week (video)
Want to know more about Men’s Health Week?
Visit the Men’s Health Week website
Want to know more about mental health?
Information on mental health issues
Locate your nearest headspace Centre