THINK F.A.S.T

"Stroke is like having the floor ripped out from under you.  I had to learn everything again, to walk, to talk and do everyday activities." Merchant Seaman Glenn woke up one morning with a pain in his jaw which turned out to be the start of almost 3 months in hospital and rehab. 

BODY ISSUES

A recent article suggests research on eating disorders and body issues for men is about 20 years behind what it is for women.  Underreporting, stigma and other factors often prevent the 250k Aussie men living with a condition from seeking help. 

A LITTLE MORE

Knowing when to walk away from a project, relationship or situation that is no longer working is a difficult thing to do.  Before making that decision, take some time to ask yourself if you have given it everything you can or if there is a little bit more you have to offer before stepping back.  

BET STOP

Did you know Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year?  $25 billion, that's a lot of money to lose when cost of living keeps going higher.  Bet Stop is an initiative where you can self register and block your access to all phone and online gambling providers.

TOMORROW READY

Do you have a morning routine in place to help you get the most out of your day?  In a recent article, Ben Meer suggests "the best morning routine starts the night before".  When caring for someone having a routine can help get you back on track quicker when things change.

FIGHTING BACK

While taking part in a Nat Geo documentary called 'Limitless' Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth discovered he has genes linked to an increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's Disease.  Turning this knowledge into a positive learning experience, he has made changes to work life balance and exercise.

BE USEFUL

Bodybuilder to Hollywood star to Politian the life lessons of Arnold Schwarzenegger are now in print with his new book titled 'Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life'.  More than another self help book, Be Useful offers a simple take on being connected to purpose in life.

BEATING ADDICTION

While addiction is often linked to substance use or problematic behaviours it can also be connected to 'control, security and self worth'.  From becoming a better Dad to finding stronger connections the process of recovery can uncover a better future.

DETECTIVE DUCK

Newly released, the animated 2 minute adventures of Detective Duck from Australian mental health initiative Livin aims to 'explore the mental health continuum, spot warning signs, practice self-care, and become a legendary support system.'

DADS WORDS

Cameron Daddo, Max Gawn and Jamie Durie are some well known Aussie men who along with others, recently shared some words of wisdom they received from their Fathers.  The advice ranged from getting a trade to knowing how to back yourself.  

MIGRAINE

Do you know the difference between a headache and a migraine? We can experience headaches from stress, noise and other factors resulting in a mild, dull pressure. Conversely, a migraine triggers moderate-to-severe pulsing or throbbing pain and other symptoms.

SAMSN

Did you know it takes men an average of 18 years to speak up about abuse they experience.  "Men battle huge amounts of stigma and myths about abuse" says Craig from Survivors and Mates Support Network, a national charity working with male survivors of child sexual abuse.  

GET IT DONE

Do you ever find yourself with a long list of things 'to do' but never making any progress?  Splitting your day up into four sections could be the first step in beating procrastination.  Structure, can help give you greater control in your life.  

CARER ENQUIRY

A Parliamentary inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers is underway with a large number of submissions from individuals and organisations. In submission #120 MCT founder Greg shares some of his thoughts.

GAMBLING HARM

“Is this something that is bringing you happiness, or is it leading toward an addiction?” is the question Samith asked himself when he was losing up to $3k a week betting online.  The draw of winning big and easy access makes online gambling a potentially damaging activity. 

THE HITMAN

"Never be scared to admit that you need help" former professional boxer Ricky Hatton talking openly about his suicidal thoughts as his career was coming to an end.  Speaking up, sharing his story in the hopes that others may find the support they need.

R U OK? DAY

"There’s a guy whose family have all left the area, so today I popped in for a coffee and a chat. It’s something small, but I know he enjoyed it." - Gus.  Often it's the simple act of making time to stop and listen that makes a difference in the lives of others. 

PETER'S STORY

"Despite being a health professional myself, I didn’t really know what my prostate was, what it did or why it was important".  A diagnosis at age 52 saw Peter experience incontinence, impotence and depression which set him on a path to learn more.

QUIET TIME

'Structured periods of silence' is something a number of well know public figures describe as important to their success.  For those with family and friend caring responsibilities, spare or free time is rare but when it does happen, have you thought about making it a time for silence and relaxation?   

OUR KIDS, OUR STORIES

Lack of services, diagnostic assessments and tools to recognise and appropriately support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families parenting a child on the autism spectrum has led to the development of a book titled 'Autism, Our Kids, Our Stories'.

MEN'S HEALTH

Aussie men are often seen as less likely to seek health care services yet the recently updated 'Health of Australian Males' report shows 79% of men aged over 15 had visited a GP in the past 12 months suggesting GP's have a critical role in men's health care.  

CARER BURSARY

Caring responsibilities at any age can make life a little more challenging, for young people there is the added pressure of balancing school or study, working and social life.  The Young Carer Bursary program is open now to help support people aged between 12-25.

STAY CALM

Would you know what to do if someone was experiencing a medical emergency?  What if someone had a fall or was involved in an accident?  Knowing how to calmly react and respond if any of these situations occur can be learned through a basic first aid course.

STOP DIGGING

Stop digging is the first piece of advice when you find yourself stuck in a rut.  We all have times in life where it feels like our motivation is missing, we struggle to do simple things and often just feel stuck for no real reason.  Focusing on a few key actions can help get you out of that rut.

CHOOSE TO ACT

When something needs to be done, are you more likely to jump in and do it or hold back to think about how it could be done best?  Action bias is a relatively new term used to describe what many believe to be an automatic human impulse to take action.   

HEALTHY HABITS

During Men's Health Week in June, the Australian Men's Health Shed Association shared some healthy habits for living well. Show kindness, challenge your mind and care for your environment are some of the tips that you can easily follow to help you stay active and connected with others.  

FORGOTTEN

"Being a carer, you just get forgotten."  This quote which comes from a man who cares for his wife is a sad but accurate statement about informal carers in Australia.  The average carer will forego almost $400k in wages and around $175k superannuation by age 67.

RECOGNITION

An inquiry looking into the effectiveness of the Carer Recognition Act 2010 is seeking input from family and friend carers, carer groups and organisations.  Men Care Too is calling on men in caring roles to share their concerns and have your voice heard.

GOOD MATE

Aussie men are well known for using humour with their mates in almost any situation.  At times seen as a defence mechanism to avoid talk of 'feelings', it can actually be the male way of showing closeness and togetherness with other men.

SCREENTIME

Screentime, like anything in life, can have it's benefits but there is also a down side to too much, the question is what is too much? Whilst there is no one size fits all answer, good guidelines are available on how to best monitor and manage your screentime. 

MUSIC MAN

When was the last time you listened to new music?  Not an artist or band you know but something completely new.  Research suggests that as we get older our willingness to explore new music is lower but there are a few ways to get your feet tapping again.

CARING SON

Most people know of Bradley Cooper as a filmmaker and star of Hollywood movies like The Hangover.  What you might not know is he helped care for his father who was unwell.  Grateful he could offer support, he described the experience as "overwhelming and extremely stressful".

DOLLAR STRESS

Switch on your TV or radio for a news update and there will likely be a story about the rising cost of living.  Groceries, power, fuel have all gone up and for carers on a pension or allowance it is increasingly difficult to manage the budget and even harder to save.  

20 MILLION

Impacting a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviour, Schizophrenia is a mental health issue that about 20 million people worldwide live with.  For families, friends and carers who are part of a persons support network it can be life changing.  

IDAHOBIT 2023

The challenges of caring are wide and varied, no two situations are the same. May 17th is IDAHOBIT Day and MCT encourages our mates to consider, and talk about, how discrimination impacts people caring for family or friends in the GBTI community. 

MEN IN NURSING

While mining and construction are seen as male dominated industries, nursing and care work roles are traditionally taken on by women.  The Australian College of Nursing has produced an e-book 'Men In Nursing' to highlight the roles of men in healthcare. 

THINK TWICE

Aimed at providing credible health information online, US website WEBMD published an article recently highlighting a rise of falls in all seniors with men most at risk.  Strength, balance and over estimating ability can play a role in this increased risk of men falling. 

NO THANKS

A caring mindset can mean that we put the needs of others ahead of our own, family, friends, work and community.  Saying no can be hard for someone who cares about others and wants to help out but saying no is a way of taking care of yourself. 

HARD ROAD

"I was trying to rationalise my drinking ... a couple beers after my show and that always escalated." Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer speaking about depression and addiction. 12 years sober, 'Munky' reflects on taking the 'hard road to sobriety'.

NAN'S CARER

"Completely natural" is how 19 year-old Wiradjuri/Malygnapa man Keedon Peachey described moving into his grandparents home to provide day to day care for them.  "Taking care of elders, and respecting them, is one of the most important things in our culture.”

TOO FAR

Traditionally Aussie men are known to engage in banter with mates, poking light-hearted fun at friends and sharing a laugh.  Sometimes though, that banter can go too far and damages friendships, breaking trust and losing respect.  How far is too far?  

CARING FUTURE

The need for informal care is set to rise more than 20% by 2030 yet estimations suggest only a 15% increase to the current number of family and friend carers in Australia.  With no easy solutions in sight, the idea of greater flexibility in the workplace for employees is a step in the right direction.

REST

Whilst getting a good sleep can be a challenge for many of us have you stopped to think about how much rest you get?  Different to sleep, there are a number of ways we can rest that can help improve energy, focus and mood.  Take some time out and try some of these tips for getting good rest.

WHEN CARING ENDS

"The time that carers have the most pressing need for support is when they are no longer carers" this comment from a former carer highlights the need for better supports and understanding of what carers need when their caring role comes to an end.

RECLASSIFIED

Described as a 'baby step in the right direction' Australia has given psychiatrists the ability to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin for patients with specific conditions.  The move recognises the medicinal use of psychedelics to help, like any other medication, improve an individuals quality of life. 

TRIPLE OK PODCAST

RUOK? has launched a new podcast series to encourage life changing conversations, early intervention and supportive behaviour amongst the peers, family and friends of those who work and volunteer in the police and emergency services.

CHECK UP

When was the last time you visited the GP for a general check up?  It's not uncommon for men to put off going to see a health professional until the problem or issue is advanced.  Be proactive and make time to visit the GP, book in for an eye test, skin check and chat about any concerns you have.

HEAD GEAR

'Mental muscle in your pocket' is how Black Dog Institute's free Head Gear app is described.  Working through daily 5 to 10 minute activities, the 30 day challenge has been designed to build resilience and wellbeing for males using a variety of proven techniques.

PATTING THE SHARK

Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer in 2015, surf writer Tim Baker has written a candid account of living with cancer and how side effects from treatment have impacted his quality of life.  Tim spoke recently on ABC radio about his book and how things could be better. 

NO NEWS

Time is the most valuable thing we have and yet it can be easy to waste in our digital world where the speed of news and information can sometimes be overwhelming. "Spend less time consuming information and more time thinking" is the advice when it comes to the time you spend scrolling and watching.

COVER UP

With the highest rate of skin cancer in the world did you know that after prostate cancer, melanoma is the second most common cancer in Australian men? Cancer Council research showed that more than 70% of men don't wear sunscreen regularly. 

FEELING LONELY

Living alone is sometimes associated with feelings of loneliness and Census data suggests that around 25% of Australian households are lone person households.  An article by Healthy Male looks at how loneliness can impact on general health.

ARE YOU READY?

Natural disasters over the past few years have served a reminder to be prepared for emergencies and with bushfire season almost upon us now is the time to get ready.  When you care for someone it is extra important to have a clear plan and options to cover a number of scenarios.

BAD ODDS

The Ten to Men study recently published a new report which found that Australian men who experienced financial stress in the past 12 months were two times more likely to engage in problem gambling activities.  Almost half (44%) of all Aussie men aged 18-63 gambled in the past 12 months.

ONLINE SAFETY

International Computer Security Day is on Wednesday, what better time to rethink how secure your devices and online activity is. The E-Safety commissioner website has plenty of useful tips and strategies to help keep you safe online.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?

Gutters, downpipes, cement flooring or even the kitchen splashback are some of the places where asbestos can be found. A potentially dangerous material, asbestos products were often used in houses built or renovated before 1990.

UNDERSTANDING

Dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of expecting, new and growing families, Aussie organisation PANDA have developed a checklist to help you recognise changes in the relationships, body and behaviour and thoughts and feelings of your partner or close friend.  

LUNG CANCER

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians has a lung disease and that it's the 2nd leading cause of death?  November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, being well informed can help you better manage after a diagnosis.

DAVES STORY

"Being curious about the person that doesn't stand out in the crowd is really important to me." say's Dave Edwards, a volunteer with Australian organisation PANDA who work to support the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.

TAKE NOTE

If you need to take notes for study, work or to keep track of medical information there are a few methods like outlining, mapping or charting that are known to help.  Another method is the SQ4R process which provides a framework to better retain knowledge.

THE FACTS

Finding a GP who is well informed on mental health problems along with what to expect during a mental health consultation are just a couple of handy fact sheets available free from Black Dog Institute. Info on conditions, treatment and general wellbeing tips can help you better manage.

1 IN 7

3.6 million Australians or a staggering 1 in 7, have some form of Arthritis.  It is estimated there are around 200 different Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs.  Arthritis Australia have some handy tips to help support.

PICTURE THIS

Mindframe guidelines help with writing and talking about mental health, suicide, self harm or alcohol and other drugs.  Join in the launch of Images Matter so you can learn how to better use images when communicating about these important topics.

HEART DAY

World heart day is September 29th and the World Heart Federation want you to know that 'Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart'.  In Australia, cardiovascular disease claims the life of one person every 12 minutes. 

DEMENTIA KNOWLEDGE

Half a million Australians are impacted by Dementia with around 1.6 million people involved in their care. Dementia Australia estimate the number of 'people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years'.  Find an in person or online event to learn more during this Dementia Action Week.

OLDER MEN

Suicide in older men is a topic not often discussed but a recent article has highlighted the need for us all to pay more attention.  The overall suicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000 people in 2020 with men over 85 years 3 times that number at 36.2 per 100,000 people.  Read the article linked below and talk to others about it.

WORKPLACE CHAMPION

From the office to the worksite and even in the virtual space, we can spend a great deal of each day around workmates.  You can register to be an R U OK? Workplace Champion, helping to increase a sense of belonging and connection by building an R U OK? culture in your workplace.

#iOAD2022

International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those who have died and the grief of family and friends left behind.  Often linked to illegal drugs, risk of overdose can also occur through mistakes or misuse of prescribed medicine which makes it is important to be aware of medications in and around your home.

HOW'S DAD?

Healthy Male recently published an article which looked at the topic of birth trauma and how dad's can be impacted. Describing how dads can feel powerless, unheard, invalidated, and disregarded, the article sheds light onto a difficult subject which is rarely spoken about.

RESILIENCY 2022

Highlight September 9th in your calendar for the free, Resiliency 2022 webinar which features clinicians, artists and authors sharing strategies for being better prepared to manage setbacks in life, deal with difficult situations and improve relationships.

ON THE TOOLS

National Tradies Health Month is an opportunity to share traditional health messages about eating well and staying active but it's also a chance to remind tradies and home DIY'ers about the importance of working safely and wearing personal protective gear when required.  With a little planning the job can be made safer.

PCFA SUPPORT

News of a 34% increase in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in Australian men means that the lives of over 24,000 Aussie blokes along with their family and friends will change over the next 12 months.  The PCFA offer an online community where information, resources and support is shared.

DRINK CHOICES

1 in 4 Australians exceeded alcohol guidelines in 2020/21 with men most likely to consume more. 'Changing the world’s relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time.' the Hello Sunday Morning self assessment tool encourages you to check drinking habits and change if needed.

MEN TODAY

“I guess I’m old school. I was a tough guy. But that’s not what makes you a man” – Michael Bisping, retired mixed martial artist. Sharing their thoughts on what masculinity means in the modern day, a new article in Men's Health Australia features a fashion designer, rugby player, dancer, musician and trans rights activist, all with a different perspective. 

GRANTS OPEN

Awareness, Belonging and Connection is the theme for Mental Health Week again this year with applications now open for grants from the Mental Health Council of Tasmania. Supporting small community activities through to large public events there is something for everyone.

CARER LEADERS

Patience, being reliable, willing to learn and having a focus on people around them, family carers develop leadership skills and strengths on a daily basis.  Join the July Peak Speaks with Mental Health Carers NSW to explore the topic of 'Carers as Leaders'

MATES NIGHT

A healthy environment does not need to be a place, it can simply be somewhere we spark up a conversation on any topic and know someone is there to listen and we have mates who will encourage and support us on the bad days and be there alongside us in the good days.  Click below for a look back at our Men's Health Week Mates Night.

DEPRESSION

"Your mind goes into a place where you don't want to do anything. You can't make any decisions." - Veteran BBC newsreader Huw Edwards speaking in an interview about his bouts of depression that have at times left him unable to get out of bed.

F.A.S.T

Along with the FAST signs to help recognise a stroke, - Face, Arms, Speech, Time, there are other signs of stroke that should be taken seriously.  Sudden loss of vision or blurring, loss of balance or severe headaches should be discussed with your GP or dial 000 in an emergency.

OUTBACK MIND

Set up to support and highlight issues impacting on regional Australian men, Outback Mind promotes discussions on healthy, happy, conscious and connected lives through their podcast.  From famers to football stars and everyone in between, there are well over 150 episodes of wide ranging topics to pick from.

SLEEP TALK

Diet and exercise are often the first things we change to help improve our health but sleep is also a vital aspect of overall wellbeing.  Stress, pressure, shift work or being in a caring role can make it hard to get a good nights rest.  Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds have a free webinar on June 15th on the science of sleep.

MONEY MATTERS

Mortgage payments or rent, petrol, groceries, medications .. the endless list of expenses goes on and on.  Sometimes the money just isn't there to cover the next bill that comes in which is where the National Debt Helpline can help with experienced financial counsellors who offer FREE information & advice.

MANAGING CONFLICT

Blaming others, not listening or avoiding an argument altogether can be negative responses when it comes to managing conflict.  In almost any relationship there will be times where disagreement or conflict arises and it is how we communicate at these times that matters most.

TALKING TABLETS

Medications can help manage an illness or chronic pain and so it's important that you know and understand how they work best.  Free for Medicare and DVA card holders of any age, a Pharmacist will visit you to answer questions and provide a Medicine Review all of which is arranged through your GP.

FIRE SAFE

Did you know that a fire can take hold of a house within 3mins?  As the cooler weather begins, now is a good time to check around your home for any hazards and make sure you have an home fire safety plan ready just in case.  

CREATIVE SPACE

Setting out to explore the impact art and creativity can have on mental health, 'Space 22' premiers at 8pm tomorrow evening on ABC TV and iview.  The series will follow 7 people as they discover if creativity can help express emotions.  

BIPOLAR LOVE

"I need you and 'acts of service' more than ever in these down moments." Tiffany Romito writes to her husband in a letter about loving with bipolar disorder.  Mood swings can make communication in any relationship challenging, Tiffany writes to her husband to express emotions and a message that may otherwise be lost. 

.41c

41c an hour is roughly what Toowoomba man George receives as a carer for his mum Elizabeth.  A new report 'Caring Costs Us' found that, on average, a primary informal carer will forego an estimated $567,000 in lost income and superannuation.

POSTAL VOTE

A federal election has been called with Saturday May 21st the official polling day.  If you live with illness, disability or care for someone who does, you can apply for a postal vote.  This option, along with attending a pre-polling centre prior to election day can make it easier to have your vote counted.  

FERTILE KNOWLEDGE

How much do you know about male fertility?  Did you know that the lifecycle of sperm is around 72 days which means men experiencing problems can make changes and see improvements in just a few months.  Researchers at the Uni of Adelaide are calling on Aussie men to share their knowledge of male fertility. 

CARER CHALLENGES

Australian carers have the opportunity to take part in a short, confidential survey that will help shape future supports for family and friend carers supporting older Australians living with depression or anxiety.  Honest feedback on good and bad experiences is welcome and will help identify key challenges for carers.    

MEDIA WATCH

Over the past few months a lot of distressing events have been happening locally and around the world.  It can be hard at these times to manage the emotion and connection to these events particularly when news is at our fingertips 24/7. Managing your media use and taking time to process news can be helpful.

BIPOLAR DAY

Celebrated world-wide on March 30th, World Bipolar Day provides a platform for individuals and communities to educate, discuss and improve understanding of bipolar disorder.  It is estimated by Mental Health First Aid Australia that up to 1 in 50 people will experience bipolar symptoms each year.

HOLDING A GRUDGE

There is a quote attributed to Buddha that goes "Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." We all get angry or upset with other people from time to time but holding onto that negative emotion long after the cause of that feeling can cause you other problems in life. 

TALK THERAPY

Diagnosed with anxiety after a visit to the hospital with chest pain it took a further 8 years for Lenard McKelvey aka 'Charlamagne tha God' to look for support and answers to his mental health challenges.  The latest Very Well Mind podcast features an open discussion about therapy and the benefits of working on understanding emotions and mental health.

ENERGY

When you feel overworked and have little time for family or hobbies consider making small changes to your diet, drinking habits and sleep as a starting point to take control of your day.  'Time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story.'  How do you spend your physical and mental energy? 

BIBLIOTHERAPY

Talking about your troubles and emotions with a health professional can be an impractical and let's be honest uncomfortable proposition for many blokes but there are alternatives that can help when you're feeling lost. 'Bibliotherapy' is reading books aimed at helping you better understand and acknowledge your thoughts during difficult times. 

MLAK

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is designed to give people with disabilities and their carers access to 'dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day'.  Used in shopping centres, open spaces, railway stations and on some playground equipment the MLAK can be purchased through locksmiths or ordered online.

THE MALE

The latest issue of 'The Male' from leading Australian Men's Health organisation Healthy Male is focused on men's mental health.  From trying to understand what is often a complex set of issues, habits to help keep you on track and many more insightful articles The Male magazine is a great conversation starter for men. 

PLAY IT FAIR

With the amount of time we are spending online, chances are you have been witness to behaviour and language that most of us would not accept in the real world.  There is no place for online abuse and Safer Internet Day is about promoting positive online behaviours that are respectful and kind for people of all ages.

OK TO SAY NO

Author Scott Fetters say's that having your own set of clearly defined needs, challenges and deadlines can help eliminate distractions and limit any inclination to 'people please'.  Learning to say no when your plate is already full is not selfish it is about using your time and energy on the things that matter most to you.  

CARE DURING COVID

During the pandemic everyone has experienced some degree of disruption or disadvantage in their life. Workload and responsibility has increased for Australia's 2.65 million informal, unpaid carers many of whom have experienced financial hardship and increased levels of isolation. 

MIXED EMOTIONS

Life can be unpredictable and often makes you feel a mix of emotions.  It's not uncommon to feel happy but flat or worried and hopeful at the same time.  You can't always control what is happening in life but you can aim to take control of how you respond to situations and emotions by being aware of them and knowing how to manage.  

RURAL HEARTBEAT

The Foundation for Rural Reginal Renewal 'Heartbeat of Rural Australia' study looks at how not-for-profits and community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia have managed issues such as funding, ability to hold events and volunteer numbers over the past couple of challenging years during covid, bushfires, floods and drought. 

DOLLAR WATCH

Overspending during the festive season can be easy to do, buying presents, big meals and extra treats can all add up.  The team at CANSTAR have put together 15 money saving tips around buying gifts, going on holidays and going to parties.  Plan ahead and work within a set budget to keep your bank account healthy for the new year.

FAMILY SUPPORT

A marriage breakdown, the recession and a physical injury prevented Duncan Large from taking part in a sport he loved and impacted greatly on his mental health.  Duncan now speaks about his experience as a parent living with a mental illness and advocates to improve the recognition and support for children and families in similar situations.

BODY IMAGE

33% of men rarely talk about issues with poor body image or low self-esteem and sadly it's a topic that 44% of blokes never talk about.  An article published in UK Men's Health explores male body image and expectations from the perspective of different men including a bodybuilder, model, strong man and cyclist.

200

Since October 2nd 2017 MCT Monday has been consistently arriving via email to people all over Australia and in countries around the world.  In this time we included more than 800 stories aimed at sharing the wide range of informal and formal approaches to men's health and wellbeing.  Happy 200th edition of MCT Monday, thank you for your support! 

BLUE SKY NEWS

Almost 70% of men with prostate cancer have unmet information needs.  If you're looking for news, research and insights on prostate cancer then 'Blue Sky News' is for you.  Produced by Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and free to access this publication might help answer some of your questions.

TEN TO MEN

Since 2013 around 16,000 males aged 10-55 years have been taking part in a longitudinal study on Australian males exploring their mental health, alcohol use, general health and health literacy. An online workshop this Thursday will provide detailed understanding on the most recent study findings.

26TEN

'Small steps, big changes' is the theme for 26TEN week from the 25th to the 29th October.  26TEN week is also a reminder that we all have a role, whether we are learners, educators, employers, service providers or someone who wants to help to celebrate and promote adult numeracy and literacy. 

1 IN 5

Around 1 in 5 Australians experience some form of mental health illness each year.  If someone in your life is unwell there are things you can do to help them feel better supported. Gain confidence and become prepared to help with a greater understanding of what is going on by becoming a Mental Health First Aider.

CONSTRUCTIVE ANGER

Our mates at Thriving Carer recently shared some articles that have had an impact with people in their community.  One that stood out is on 'Constructive Anger'.  Along with being told not to cry, men are often told not to get angry but anger is a human emotion 'that doesn't always have to be negative and harmful'.

DAD FILM

MCT has linked with Autism Tasmania to present a special screening of Australian film  DAD, a look at autism and fatherhood.  After the screening, hear from North West Coast Dads during a panel discussion and find out about local activities and groups run by local men for local men - free event thanks to funding from the Mental Health Council Tasmania.

LEISURE TIME

Participants in a study who viewed leisure time as wasteful were also found to have higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression.  With technology and productivity playing such a large role in many lives it can be hard to switch off and truly enjoy time in nature or with family and friends but it is an important aspect of wellbeing 

DEMENTIA WEEK

It's Dementia Action Week and close to half a million Aussies live with Dementia according to Dementia Australia who also estimate that around 1.6 million Australians are providing care.  Tips for a Dementia friendly home, memory books and more support can be found on the Dementia Australia website.

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

The Carers NSW 2021 Conference is going virtual and will showcase how policy, programs and practice are helping support carers.  With around 1 in 10 Aussie men in family/unpaid caring roles MCT hopes to learn about how and where services are working to engage more effectively with men.

WRITE ON

"When I write, I feel more balance" says Victor Imbimbo, CEO of Caring Today.  Did you know that writing about emotions and stress may help improve wellbeing by providing a level of structure and organisation to your thoughts.  Check out The Good Men Project article for some writing tips and prompts.

COPING SKILLS

Crohn's disease, Asthma and Diabetes are all chronic physical conditions but the effects of these illnesses on managing day to day life can also carry a heavy emotional and mental challenge.  Dan, Michael and Samuel each have learned how to manage the psychological side of a physical condition.

ANGER

"Not everyone who is angry will be aggressive, and not every aggressive behaviour is fuelled by anger."  To varying degrees,  everyone experiences anger. How we express and deal with anger is something that can at times worry ourselves or the people in our lives we care about.  Understand anger and tips to better manage. 

BLACK DOG

The Black Dog Institute is currently working to improve the support available for men who are having thoughts of ending their life through their project ‘Under the Radar’. They are looking to understand what men find helpful and not helpful via an anonymous survey. Share your thoughts to help improve support options.

TRAUMA

The term trauma is generally associated with violence, accidents or crime however it is also something experienced through injury, illness, job loss or the death of someone close to us.  We all experience these challenges in life to different degrees and understanding the difference between a 'normal response' and when to seek help is important.

THE MALE

"Knowing isn't enough, doing is the bit that matters", a wise and important message for all men from Healthy Male CEO Simon Von Saldern in issue #5 of 'The Male'.  Looking at self care and why it matters, this info packed edition explores topics such as sleep, eating well, movement as medicine and much more. 

BEST FRIEND

If you want to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol or reduce stress and anxiety in your life the answer could be man's best friend.  Along with helping to make us more active through walks and playtime, having a dog can also help with our social life sparking up conversations with other dog lovers.

AUSTRALIA TALKS

How often do you change your sheets? Is technology bad for your health?  Find out how your answers compare in the Australia Talks social survey.  More than 60,000 people took part in the national survey and you can now do a shortened 50 question survey to see how different or similar your opinions may be to your fellow Aussie men and women. 

NEW GUIDELINES

Do you know the maximum number of standard drinks recommended in a day? What about over the course of a week?  The Alcohol and Drug Foundation report that more than half of all Aussies don't know what a standard drink size is, new guidelines offer a chance to learn and reduce your risk of injury or accident.

CARER RECOGNITION

80,000 family and friend carers who make up more than 15% of the Tasmanian population will soon be formally acknowledged with Carer Recognition legislation.  'Supporting Tasmanian Carers: Tasmanian Carers Action Plan 2021-2024' also promises a Carers Week grant program plus resources and education for carers.

LEAVING HOSPITAL

Researchers at Monash University are seeking input from carers of older adults to help improve patient and carer experience during hospital discharge.  Sharing your story can help identify where health staff can improve or strengthen the way older adults and carers are supported when they are discharged from hospital.

MEN'S CHARTER

In the lead up to Men's Health Week, the AMHF published a 'Charter for Men's Mental Health' which outlines the need for a male focused charter along with identifying 7 principles for men's mental health services so that mental health and suicide prevention initiatives are 'better equipped to support men and boys in the future.'

LITERACY

During our recent Allied Mates Forum literacy appeared as a recurring theme across the different discussion topics.  We invite anyone interested in the topic of male literacy (i.e. reading/writing, health, financial, emotional) to join our online Men's Health Week event with Greg Milan (AMHF) and Malcolm Wells (26TEN) to share ideas and initiatives. 

FREE LIBRARY

Topics such as men’s sheds, fatherhood roles, help seeking in men and the impact of masculinities on men’s health promotion are included in an online library of research which is now free to access for a limited time.  Anyone working with men or interested in men's health is encouraged to take a look.

DRUG SAFETY

In Tasmania more individuals die from accidental overdose of prescribed medicine than from illegal drugs or from road deaths.  If you or someone close to you is on prescription medication, a coalition of community, education and government organisations has one simple message to share 'Talk to the experts, talk to your pharmacist'. 

BLOODY GOOD

"It's easy, straightforward and who knows maybe it will be you or someone you know who will need it one day" - James.  Donating your blood only takes about 1 hour to do, can be made into 22 different medical treatments and can then go on to help save 3 different lives.  Anyone fit and healthy, aged between 18 and 75 can donate every 3months. 

LIFE AFTER DIVORCE

Take time to grieve is the first tip for men going through a divorce from mediator Ian Shann .  Adjusting to a new way of life is difficult and takes time so try to maintain routines at work and in other areas of your life to help during this time.  When children are involved, having a parental plan drawn up can help avoid conflict.

MEN AND MISCARRIAGE

"What can I do? How can I help?’  - I just felt like that was my role and that, in a sense, it didn't matter how I felt.” Tristan speaking about his reaction to he and his wife Tahyna experiencing a miscarriage.  The latest issue of Fatherhood Bulletin explores 'Men and Pregnancy Loss' through personal stories, support and coping strategies.  

PANIC MYTHS

Did you know that people can experience a panic attack whilst asleep?  Understanding and recognising the signs and symptoms of a panic attack in yourself or someone in your life can be difficult but there are some ways you can.  There are also myths around what a panic attack actually looks and feels like.  Be informed and know what to look out for. 

CARER WELLBEING

Canberra Uni researchers are asking people across Australia to share their experience of providing care to someone else.  Short or long term, past or present, if you have cared for someone through illness or disability you can take part in the survey.  Men Care Too would like to encourage men to get involved and provide a male perspective to the study.

OLDER MALE SUICIDE

This Friday between 10am and 4pm health and social care professionals working with men over 65 are invited to an online conference to address the topic of 'Preventing Suicide in Older Men'.  Looking at age specific suicide rates, men aged over 85 have the highest rate indicating that there is important work to be done to better support our old mates.

WEIGHT OF CARE

'Caring is often physically & emotionally demanding with consequences for carers own health and wellbeing." A new report Commissioned by Public Health England adds more evidence that unpaid caring be identified as a Social Determinant of Health.  Recognised as an important tool 'Social Prescribing' can help connect family and friend carers with supports.

FAMILY MAN

Built to help dads 'tackle the screaming, kicking and WTF moments' Movember's Family Man is a free online resource that men can access anytime.  Designed for men with input from child behaviour experts using evidenced based parenting strategies as you work through 3 interactive episodes that help you 'correct misbehaviour whilst reinforcing love and care.' 

ADVANCE PLANNING

Death and dying are topics we often avoid, it is hard talking with someone we care about or ourselves not being around anymore. Following National Advance Care Planning week, make time now to have a conversation with close family or friends so that it might be a little less stressful should the time come to make any important decisions about someone's care.

FAST SKILLS

'Take control of your mental fitness and prepare for life's challenges' A FREE online workshop hosted by UK NFP Carers Hearts as part of their March Male Carer Month.  This workshop will look at 'fast skills' to use during stressful times through to identifying and exploring strategies that build long term resilience.  On this Friday March 26th starting at 6:30am AEDT.

GRIT

The simple way to describe grit is having the perseverance to overcome obstacles or challenges to achieve a goal.  Whilst perseverance is a vital aspect of grit it is just one of many factors that make up the equation.  Positive self talk, mastering fear, training your weaknesses and using periods of recovery to recharge your batteries are all aspects of grit that can help you overcome challenges in life.

WAITING ROOM

An Australian observational study looking at men's health promotion in waiting rooms has found just 3% of more than 1100 health materials audited were male specific. Researchers looked at printed health promotion messages which included brochures and booklets in general practice, community centres and hospitals with results identifying a gap in male health promotion.  

THE MALE

Testosterone and diabetes, male contraception and sexual health are some of the topics covered in issue 4 of The Male magazine.  Published by Australian men's health organisation Healthy Male, the magazine highlights health and wellness issues because as CEO Simon Von Saldern say's "Avoiding uncomfortable conversations won't make the problem go away".

ALLIED MATES FORUM

World Health Day Allied Mates Forum hosted by MCT and funded by the North West Suicide Prevention Trial Site, aims to highlight key issues affecting men with snapshot presentations showcasing a number of local services and grassroots initiatives aimed at working with men in the North West of Tasmania to better support local men and boys experiencing life challenges.

MALE CARER MONTH

How to be your own best friend is one of the practical, evidence based workshops being offered to men by Carers Hearts during their Male Carer Month of March.  Taking control of your mental fitness is another workshop on offer along with podcast interviews with men from all different walks of life speaking about their experience of caring.  Follow Carers Hearts on social media for all the latest info.

CHAT LIVE

Adding to their free online weekly wellness sessions for carers, the Sydney Local Health District Carers team are launching CHAT Live.  Men Care Too are excited to be part of the Carer Health and Thoughts (CHAT) first live session this Thursday starting at 11am to talk about the importance of connecting with others as a key aspect of wellness when caring. 

HE'LL BE RIGHT

Is modern masculinity in New Zealand's Maori culture still full of ritual and tradition?  This question along with a wide ranging discussion on what it means to be a man in 2021 are part of a new podcast series titled 'He'll be Right'.   Gender expectations, fatherhood and culture are all topics that offer interesting conversations and viewpoints on modern masculinity. 

WORKING CARERS

Many carers find themselves still having to work for a wide range of reasons and it doesn't matter if you're in a boardroom or the factory floor, speaking with your employer about your caring role can be difficult.  UK not for profit Carers Hearts recently shared some great practical advice so that when you approach your employer that conversation is a little easier.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The Tasmanian Government is reviewing the existing Carers Action Plan and thanks to Carers Tasmania you have an opportunity to share your views and experiences on what has worked and what areas need improvement. The 'Have Your Say' events are being held around the state during February, alternatively, contact Carers Tasmania direct to have your say.

READY TO GO

How well prepared are you if there was a need to leave your home in a hurry?  Bushfires and flash flooding are always a concern for many Aussies and medical emergencies or unplanned travel may also mean we need to leave our homes quickly and being prepared can help make those stressful times a little easier.

AUSSIE MEN

"Focus less on the problem, and more on the solution." is a key recommendation to come out of a report commissioned by Victorian Health titled 'Masculinities and Health'.  The survey which informed the report, included more than 1,600 participants and asked questions on topics such as the harms of traditional masculinity, role models for boys and men's roles in parenting.

RIGHT DOSE

With disruption to normal routines, travel and unfamiliar places on the cards for many of us over the holidays it's important to keep a check on medications so that you or the person you care for are getting the right dose at the right time.  Having a list of all medications and setting reminders on your phone will help keep you on track.

RIGHT CALL

Did you know that men are four times more likely to drown than women and over the past 10 years, inland waterways have claimed more lives than any other location in Australia.  As we head to the beaches and rivers during the warmer months, Royal Life Saving Australia have a simple message for men 'Make the Right Call' - wear a life jacket, avoid going alone and avoid alcohol to stay safe.

ONLINE TOOLS

The recent Ten to Men insights report found that around 80% of men would not phone a support line for help.  Online tools provide an alternative for men who are dealing with anxiety or depression and the Black Dog Institute have a survey open where you can help design a new digital mental health service.  Share your experience so that other blokes doing it tough can have somewhere appropriate to go

HELP SAM

Off the back of the Australian Men's Health Forum's guide to developing male friendly services comes a call for the Morrison Government to develop a national plan to tackle male suicide in Australia.  With an average of 7 men choosing to end their own life everyday in Australia it is important to look at gender when developing suicide prevention strategies.  Help SAM, Save Aussie Men.

SUPPORT GATEWAY

Disability Gateway is a new resource aimed at connecting people to information and local services.  Developed in consultation with people living with a disability, carers and the broader disability sector, the website is now live in a 'pilot' phase and people are being encouraged to visit the website and share feedback before the official launch. 

SWITCH OFF

Binge watching tv shows has become more common in recent times with streaming services at the click of a button.  It can be easy to slip into a routine where watching tv or staring at a screen takes up more time during the day than we'd like it too.  Keep an eye on your screen time and make changes if needed. 

RECORD HIGH

Grassroots to boardrooms, people are working round the clock on innovative ways to connect and support people during life challenges. Sadly the latest ABS data has shown a rise in suicides with 9 Australians (7 men/2 women) taking their lives everyday.  Trust your gut if someone you know is struggling, ask RUOK?

CARING SENIORS

In the UK around 60% of carers over the age of 85 are male according to a recently published PHD Study Report which has shed some light onto the experience of older men in caring roles.  The report suggests that early connections to services to develop relationships plus activity based social supports as ways to reduce loneliness and social isolation. 

MENTAL STRENGTH

Taking time out each day to write down a few things in your life that you are grateful for can help you develop and strengthen positive thoughts and feelings.  Different to mental health, mental strength can be looked at in three parts, what we think, what we feel and our actions.  Writing is one example of a healthy way to explore thoughts and feelings. 

VALUE OF CARE

Replacing each hour of informal care with a formal sector equivalent in 2020 is valued at $77.9 billion'.  The Value of Informal Care report by Deliotte Access Economics puts a dollar value on the unpaid care provided by almost 2.8 million Australians.  Individual primary informal carers are estimated to care for an average of 32.5 hours each week or a combined 1.7 BILLION hours annually.

OVERTHINKING

'The longer you think about something, the less time and energy you might have to take productive action'  We spend a great deal of time everyday thinking about problems or decisions we need to make, some are small and easy, others more difficult and meaningful. Recognising when you start to overthink or dwell on certain things can help prevent stress and worry.

TEN TO MEN

We are constantly reminded of crisis and help lines that we can call for support yet over 80% of adult men in the Ten To Men survey said they were very unlikely, or unlikely to seek help or support from this source.  Ten To Men is a longitudinal health and lifestyle study with more than 15,000 Australian men and boys participating to date - a new report is now available.

DON'T WAIT MATE

More than 50% of Australians have delayed or cancelled health checks due to COVID19 concerns.  Scans, testing, screening and preventative health care have all seen a drop in numbers and so the Continuity of Care Collaboration, made up of 35 peak bodies, are encouraging people to access health services through their #DontWaitMate campaign.