Korero a powerful tool for men
Looking after mental health is a passion for yoga teacher Jase TePatu.
He wants to provide men with the tools to look after their mental health and understands the importance of looking after your state of mind.
Four male friends of his have died from suicide over the past few years and TePatu has gone through his own mental health struggles after injuries halted his dance career.
This prompted him to set up an event called Brothers in Arms at his yoga studio in Johnston St in Wellington on Friday.
‘‘Brothers in Arms is a cry out really, to all brothers to come together. It’s a korero, it’s a talking piece,’’ he said.
TePatu brought on board three speakers to share their stories: life coach Joel Bouzaid, father, yoga teacher and business manager Shane Hamill and director of Ignite Group Mal Winnie.
TePatu said there were many different tools for dealing with poor mental health - for him, after he gave up dancing, he found his own methods.
‘‘I’m in the business of providing some tools to deal with stuff, teaching yoga and mediation.’’
However, he was aware that might not work for everyone and invited the speakers to talk about their own tools they use to keep mentally healthy.
‘‘I have seen people that focus a lot on their body and that’s all well and good but it’s the state of your mind that’s important too.’’
He said there was an attitude among many men that crying was seen as weak and they were meant to ‘‘suck it up’’.
That sort of attitude needed to change, he said.
‘‘When do [ men] have an opportunity to talk?’’
He said, especially in the light of the death of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, he wanted men to seek out support if they were struggling.
All proceeds from the event went towards the Youthline charity.