Men’s mental health in focus

FOR ALLAN Sparkes, one of Australia’s most recognised former police officers, his battle with mental ill-health showed even those considered the toughest of society could be hit by the hidden illness.

“I was a police officer for 20 years and for most of my career I was extremely healthy,” the retired New South Wales police senior detective said.

“I was involved in some particular traumatic events that led to PTSD and depression.”

Mr Sparkes, who is the holder of Australia’s highest bravery decoration the Cross of Valour, said he was fortunately able to recover from his illnesses and the key to helping others was better education.

Journalist Peter FitzSimons, who along with Mr Sparkes visited Toowoomba yesterday for the Unleash the Beast symposium, said even the strongest people could have mental health problems.

“The staggering Aussie bloke with a hard-ball moustache knocking back beers and cigarettes, and the other side of that was he’s mentally strong,” Mr FitzSimons said.

“But if he was so mentally strong, why was he drinking so much? Even strong people can have issues with mental health.

“A mate of mine was with a mate of his and the mate had lined up 10 vodkas and oranges and knocked them back. My mate asked are you okay, why are you doing this?”

Mr FitzSimons said that was why he was such a fan of the R U Okay concept.

“It’s something that’s talked about openly and that’s the way forward,” he said.

Mr FitzSimons spoke about mental health in men at a lunch at Fitzy’s yesterday.

Photos: Tobi Loftus/Kevin Farmer HEALTH: Peter FitzSimons (left) and Allan Sparkes at the Unleash the Beast symposium in Toowoomba yesterday. Mr FitzSimons also spoke at a luncheon at Fitzy’s.

Ready for lunch are (from left) Maree Gillam, Pat Heagney, Kelli McDougall and Mick I'Anson.

Samantha Heathwood introduces the Mort and Co Lads' Lunch.

Dan Briskey (left) and Ben Dampney at the lunch.

Cameron Miller (left) and Alfonso Munoz at the lunch.