In Australia, it has always been said around masculinity that you need to show strength, toughness, and emotional restraint. This "suck it up" mentality has been embedded in the roots of the country's history, passed on from generation to generation of males and continues to influence men's health behaviours today. However, this outdated belief is increasingly being challenged as awareness grows about the importance of mental health and the value of openly communicating. With next week being Men's Health Week, It is more vital than ever for Australian men to talk openly about their struggles and 'keep an eye on their mates' to build a healthier, more supportive community.

The 'Suck It Up' Mentality

The "suck it up" mentality refers to the idea that men should endure physical and emotional pain without complaint or showing vulnerability. This belief is often reinforced from a young age, with boys being told to "man up" or "toughen up" when they express distress. While resilience and strength are important qualities, the expectation to constantly suppress emotions can have serious consequences.

The Impact on Men's Health

Suppressing emotions and avoiding discussions about mental health can lead to a range of negative outcomes for men. In Australia, men are more likely than women to suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, yet they are less likely to seek help. The statistics these days are of extreme concern:

• Suicide Rates: Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44. Men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives.
• Mental Health: One in eight men will experience depression, and one in five will experience anxiety at some point in their lives.
• Health Service Utilisation: Men are less likely to visit doctors for mental health concerns, leading to untreated and escalating conditions.

Breaking the Silence

To combat the damaging effects of the "suck it up" mentality, we need to encourage open conversations about mental health and the 'ups' and 'downs' of life. Men need to understand that seeking help and discussing their feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness. Here are some steps to promote a healthier approach to men's health:

1. Build a network of Mates -More often than not, men in their latter years can lose their network of 'mates' be it due to work, family, kids sport, relocations etc and they don't prioritise their own health (both physical and mental). It is important for men to make time to connect with their mates. 
2. Talk to your Mates - Part of the ingrained behaviours has always been 'look after for your mates' which was skewed around backing them up in physical situations but this now needs to mean 'looking after your mates' when there is mental challenges. We know our mates and we know if they are down or facing challenges so we need to not shy away from and ask how we can assist them in this situation. We all go through the roller-coaster of life and I would hope that my mates would be checking in on me when I am at the bottom of the ride.
3. Education and Awareness - Public health campaigns should focus on educating men about the signs of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Initiatives like 'Movember' and 'RUOK?' Day have been instrumental in raising awareness and encouraging men to speak up.
4. Promoting Help-Seeking Behaviour - Normalising the act of seeking help for mental health issues can be achieved by sharing stories of men who have successfully navigated their struggles. Highlighting role models who advocate for mental health can also inspire others to take action.

I am very grateful for my mates as we constantly connect and check in on each other along our journeys. We play golf, Poker and watch football together. We laugh, we crack jokes, send random texts and more importantly, we always 'call it' and talk if one of our mates is 'down' to help them out. That's what mates do. The safety of a network of mates is valuable for men's mental health.

The "suck it up" mentality is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, but it is time for a shift. Men's health depends on breaking down the barriers to open communication and support. By encouraging men to talk about their mental health and look out for their mates, we can create a healthier, more connected community. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help; rather, it is a demonstration of courage and strength. Let us work together to ensure that no man feels alone in his struggles and that every man has the support he needs to thrive.