[ad_1]
In New Zealand, men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women.
photo: 123 RF
The government has set aside a month dedicated to men’s health to encourage men to talk about their emotions normally.
In New Zealand, this week’s campaign will focus on seven days of masculine mental health, aiming to change the culture and perceptions of mental health issues that plague the male population, with one in eight men experiencing severe depression in their lifetime.
Dietrech Soakai of Oakland grew up in an environment where men rarely talked about their emotions.
But while working in youth and community development, he discovered how important it was for people to recognize and value their mental health — especially for men.
“Our mental health and emotional health are one and the same,” Sokay said.
“I think the more men are willing to talk about their feelings, acknowledge and validate their feelings, the more likely we are to have more meaningful and deeper discussions.”
About ten years ago, Soakai entered Spoken Poetry.
This art form kicked off his own mental health journey.
“For me, it was a gateway to start exploring my emotions and how I felt about things.”
Dietrich Soakai performs spoken word poetry in Christchurch.
photo: Christchurch City Library
Across New Zealand, The activity has been set Hopefully other men can embark on their own healing journey and learn to express their emotions.
The Pacific Medical Association (PMA) and Etu Pasifika are hosting some of these events in Auckland and Christchurch.
PMA’s male staff have organised events to provide opportunities for networking and connection, and will also be sharing stories and clinical health advice on their digital platforms.
They plan to host quiz nights, morning walks, men’s mental health breakfasts and taranoa and weekend golf outings to promote physical wellbeing. South Auckland’s Etu Pasifika clinic will give out mini goodie bags to every male visitor to the men’s clinic.
Clinic staff are also taking part in a 12-week fitness challenge and are now halfway through.
“We think this is a great opportunity for Pacific Islanders to come together. They run these events the way they want to run them,” said Debbie Sorensen, CEO of the Pacific Islander Association.
She said it was important for men to have “a safe space where they can open up.”
Culture is a barrier to seeking help
In New Zealand, men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. They are also less likely to seek help when they really need it.
Francis Katoa, a Tongan GP based in Manukau, knows this all too well. “Mental health is definitely worse among Pacific men and our clinic is trying to address this by providing culturally specific services,” he says.
All Francis
photo: supply
He hopes this week’s events will spur men to take action.
“Pacific men are tough, hard-working types. In Pacific culture, there are cultural and religious explanations for mental health issues, which I think is a barrier for men to seek help.”
He said there was nothing shameful about asking for help, and it was important to continue working to “normalize” expressing and talking about feelings and seeking help through counseling — something Sokay said changed his life.
“Luckily, you have other options, such as Inner Boy A great free app that people can access. It tells the story of a person’s journey into their inner world and how to talk about and process those things.”
Dietrich Soake
photo: Provide/Cooperate
Sokay said it completely changed his relationships and friendships.
“Nothing tests the strength of a relationship like letting someone in on you. It would be incredible if you didn’t have to wait until you were under the influence to allow someone in, or until you were drunk or something, before you started to have enough courage to tell someone you cared about how you felt about something.”
How to get help
- Need to talk? Whatever the reason, call or text 1737 for free anytime to speak to a trained counsellor.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text “HELP” to 4357
- InnerBoy Free Consultation here
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This service is for people who may be considering suicide or are worried about a family member or friend committing suicide.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am to 12am) or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- Latest updates: Live chat (3pm to 10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 Helpline (12pm to 10pm weekdays, 3pm to 11pm weekends)
- Childline (5-18 years): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
- Rural Support Trust helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If there is an emergency and you feel you or someone else is in danger, call 111.
[ad_2]
Source link
