MUCH WORK STILL TO DO ON STIGMA SURROUNDING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
THE tragic death of rugby league legend and keen angler Paul Green has sent shockwaves through the community as we grapple to process another devastating loss to an often-silent killer.
While most knew Green as a star player and premiership-winning coach, he had another side as a passionate fisher who loved to wet a line at any opportunity.
In 2018, mental health challenges represented
13 per cent of Australia’s disease burden, and we know these challenges are particularly prevalent in maledominated industries and activities such as construction, mining and fishing.
One of the key issues we face, particularly in these industries, is the stigma and shame associated with mental illness that prevents men from seeking support.
That’s why it was so disappointing to see the commentary on social media from high-profile recreational fishing media personality Alex Julius this week. In a Facebook post Mr Julius questioned the masculinity of men suffering from mental health issues and said, “If you take your life you’re owning up to being a loser”.
Mr Julius removed the post in response to the feedback he received and apologised for the offence it caused.
Unfortunately, his remarks had already been screenshot and distributed widely, causing deep distress to a family and community still raw from the loss of a loved one. Removing the post was a positive step, but Mr Julius’s initial comments show just how much work there is still to do on changing attitudes towards men’s mental health.
The fishing industry is one already at high risk for mental illness. Research has shown Australia’s commercial fishers experience twice the base-rate of psychological stress compared to the general population. For recreational fishers, fishing can be the escape that keeps them going from day to day.
The stoic nature of fishers means they are much less likely to seek support – a third of those suffering psychological distress said they hadn’t reached out for support, partly through fear of being labelled “weak” or “a loser” by people like Mr Julius.
Not only are his comments out of touch with his industry and society, they may well have dissuaded someone in need of help from reaching out.
If Mr Julius wants to be part of the solution, I’d encourage
him to get educated about the impacts of mental illness and get behind initiatives designed to address them.
Stay Afloat would be a great place to start. Run by Seafood Industry Australia and funded by the federal government, Stay Afloat aims to break the stigma associated with poor mental health by providing resources, support and connection specifically for the commercial fishing industry, but its messages have relevance to all types of fishers.
Significant job insecurity, impacts on the industry from changes to government regulations and the isolation of being away at sea for sometimes months on end are some of the major issues facing the commercial fishing community.
There’s a significant barrier to help-seeking among fishers and it’s tied up with the stoicism and toughness the industry demands. We know that when they do seek help it’s from their peers because they don’t feel comfortable in clinical settings like a psychologist’s office.
Stay Afloat aims to harness that peer-to-peer support by identifying and training trusted industry advocates, connecting fishers with support and resources specific to their needs and providing ongoing training and events to destigmatise mental illness.
Having grappled with the trauma of mental illness in my own family – my father committed suicide when I was just 18 months old and my mother was an alcoholic – recreational fishing became an important mindfulness activity for me growing up and remains so today.
I’ve come to realise through my own academic studies that recreational fishing is very important in terms of mental health, particularly for men. A lot of men aren’t happy or predisposed to want to do things like yoga, but fishing is a mindfulness activity that works well for a lot of people.
I’m giving the keynote address at next month’s national Seafood Directions conference in Brisbane on the importance of addressing mental health issues in the fishing industry. I’d encourage Mr Julius to come along. He might gain a new perspective.
For information about Stay Afloat, visit www.stayafloat.com.au.
If you, or someone you know needs help contact a crisis helpline:
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• Mensline -1300 78 99 78
• If there is immediate danger please call triple-0 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.