In Australia, one in six men will suffer from depression at some point throughout their lifetime. For every one woman that takes her own life, four men do. When it comes to mental health for men, the statistics are worrisome yet crucial to understanding the inner life of men which are blighted by a raft of largely unknown “mental hazards.” It’s not uncommon to hear of men avoiding to see a doctor until it’s almost too late; the same phenomenon unfortunately occurs the realm of mental wellbeing. The Western definition of masculinity emphasizes strength and silence; which means not opening up and discussing problems to find solutions. Often times, depression leads to self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol or substance abuse.
Read the rest in the November 10 edition of the Melbourne City News.