Looking out for your mates this Men's Health Week

Men’s Health Week (13-19 June) is a time to pause and reflect on the health challenges facing the men in our lives.

Male life expectancy is, on average, four years shorter and they  are more likely to suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than women of the same age.  Sadly, men also have a four times higher risk of dying by suicide*.

On top of this, research has revealed that two thirds of men who are struggling or in crisis, don’t feel confident and empowered enough to ask for help^. That’s why this Men’s Health Week we are encouraging everyone to look out for the signs that a man in their life - a husband, partner, father, brother, colleague, teammate or gym buddy – is struggling, and to reach out and ask "Are you OK?".

Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Are they becoming withdrawn?
  
• Have they experienced big changes in their personal or professional life?
  
• Are they confused, irrational or moody?
  
• Have they lost interest in what they used to love?
  
• Are they experiencing health issues?

If you are concerned about someone, trust your gut and ask “Are you OK?”. Listen with an open mind to what they have to say and ask them what you can do to help. 

For more detailed information about the signs someone might be struggling and how to have an R U OK? conversation visit our How to Ask page.

If a conversation is too big for you or you need additional support, visit our Find Help page .

In the words of R U OK?  founder Gavin Larkin, “Getting connected and staying connected is the best thing any of us can do both for ourselves and anybody who may be at risk. That said, it’s not just about those at risk, we want everybody in Australia right across the spectrum of society to reach out to the people in their lives that they care about and essentially let them know that they do care by asking R U OK?” 

If you're worried about a man in your life this Men’s Health Week or any week, we urge you to stay connected and ask, “Are you OK?”.

(* source: ABS, Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, Men’s Health Week)

(^source: BeyondBlue)