Topic Tuesday // Men's Mental Health and Peer Support // Tues 9th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Daisydreamer]

You are right @BanksiaProject  there is a rising number of men experiencing mental health concerns, and it sounds like the Banksia Project is working within communities to be a space for men to connect.

What we know from all the research is that one in nine men will experience depression, and one in five will experience anxiety. Men also have reported higher numbers of alcohol and drug related concerns in Australia, and that for many men mental health also has a very big impact on physical health and overall wellbeing.

The Banksia Project is a peer based service; built on the foundation of men supporting men.

Question 3: What is your experience with peer based support, particularly amongst men?

[TheVorticon]

Does the Banksia Project welcome transgender men?

[BanksiaProject]

Hi @TheVorticon! 

We certainly do. We're very aware that mental illness certainly does not discriminate. We are also in the process of setting up LGBTQI+ Growth Rooms for specific cohorts!

[Former-Member]

Question 3: What is your experience with peer based support, particularly amongst men?

My experience with peer based support has mostly come from recieving Peer Support training, as well as being employed as a Peer Support worker. I didn't know that Peer Support existed before I became a volunteer at various mental health organisations. I really want more people to know about it because I've found it really beneficial for my own mental health to become a Peer Worker, and the people I have supported throughout my career have said Peer support really helped them in ways that other services can't.

Rosie93

[outlander]

@MDT @Determined @Ant7 maybe youd be interested in this topic?

[outlander]

@Former-Member @Shaz51 maybe this would help with your partners?

[outlander]

@greenpea @Anastasia
Might help for your boys ?

[BanksiaProject]

The other great thing we know is that if men have the appropriate support, they can get healthier and happier. We aim to teach our Participants the behaviours, habits and routines that will enable a holistic improvement of wellbeing.

Question 3: What is your experience with peer based support, particularly amongst men?

Having worked with The Banksia Project since its inception in Australia, I have had the opportunity to work with many mental health professionals to create suitable modules that respond to the challenges men face. I too have experienced my own significant mental health challenges in the past, so am extremely passionate to share my story and work with men to create a strong community of trust and openness. I want to give men permission to be vulnerable, by doing so myself.

Men are emotional! Men need support and spaces to express their emotions and challenges. We look to provide this support and these spaces, but ensure everything is done safely.

[outlander]

Thats great @BanksiaProject

Mental health is often taboo but for men its even worse. They often have to keep up the 'im fine' act much more as its often seen as weak for showing emotions. I hope one day that stigma will be broken. The banksia project is an amazing way to start doing that!

[BanksiaProject]

@Darcy @Shaz51 maybe this would help with your partners?

@outlander thanks for being so supportive here. It's amazing to witness, often the biggest drivers for men seeking help are the partners in our lives. They're often the ones that witness the smaller signs that we may not be doing so well, and they allow us to be open and honest. We find a lot of our Growth Room Participants attend because their partner supported them to do so!!