An action plan to help the men in your life

MEN’S mental health is bordering on a crisis and this is partly because men are not good at recognising warning signs or taking action. So, what can you do, as a partner or as someone who cares, to support the men in your life?

Check in: Ask if they’re okay. Reflect, specifically, on what you’ve noticed and why you’re concerned, and be prepared to ask again if they respond with a stock standard, slightly implausible “fine”.

Listen: Carefully, attentively and without judgment. Be prepared to sit with any silences and allow him to find any way he can to express how he’s feeling and to describe what’s going on. The goal here is not to provide answers or suggest solutions, but simply to be there and show you care. Provide an invitation to

take action: It might be helpful to suggest that just like we sometimes seek professional help if we have a toothache or if our car breaks down, sometimes we need help with our health and mental health.

Follow up: Don’t just leave it there. Depending on the nature and severity of your concerns, touch base again in 24 or 48 hours, or maybe a week, to see how he’s coping.

The sad reality is that too many men are suffering in silence, but it need not be like this. Help is available and if you can help your loved one or friend there’s no reason they can’t return to living a happy and healthy life with the right sort of treatment or support.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can receive crisis support by phoning Lifeline on 13 11 14.