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

@Former-Memberyes I always thought he suffered from bipolar II and it is horrible watching it play out from the other side of the world.

Hi @Bunniekins

Just letting you know that on the 23rd of March we'll be having a Topic Tuesday on Bipolar with Bipolar Australia. Thought you might be interested.

Rosie93

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@BanksiaProject wrote:

We also ensure our programs are delivered by local community members. When we launch our programs in new communities (ie. Rural locations), we aren't looking to just 'provide a service'. We're looking to train the community members and guide them so that they can support each other. This really contributes to our peer-led, peer-run model. It is relevant, sensitive and appropriate!

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This community focus is so so vital, and I love that The Banksia Project is thinking about empowering local communities, which are foundational to mental health and wellbeing

Question 6 (Our last question for the night): For those supporting men in their lives who are struggling, what are your top three tips?

I invite everyone following along to share your top three tips too!

@Former-Member @TheVorticon @BanksiaProject @outlander @Bunniekins @TAB

Helllo @BanksiaProject , @Daisydreamer , @Former-Member sorry i am late

Thanks for the tag @outlander

Some of the things I have found helpful for supporting the important men in my life include:

1. When I am going to raise your concerns with the men I love, I have a think about where and when I will raise concerns that will make them feel comfortable. Sometimes it takes a few goes, and that’s okay. Doing an activity while we chat has been really helpful. Just letting them know I care and I am there when they are ready to reach out.
2. It can be helpful to share something from your experience first to build a sense of safety and trust. I've found this helpful to break down the stress of sharing
3. Encourage the things they do to maintain their wellbeing- I try to encourage all the things I know they enjoy that support their wellbeing eg: my partner loves golf and it is his "me time"

For those supporting men in their lives who are struggling, what are your top three tips?

I think the individuals who support men who may be struggling are the most important part of keeping men healthy and well. Be it nature or nurture, Australian men aren’t good at asking for or seeking help. It is therefore vital that we have the skills to support those around us:

• Know when to check-in; we need to know when those around us are struggling and know how to safely ‘lean in’ and offer support. We don't need to solve, just be there, sit alongside and be there to support.
• Ask them how you can help them – often we act based on what is most comfortable for us as a support person (this can often result in withdrawal as we don't know how to best help - let's be honest, it can be overwhelming). We can be much more effective if we simply ask them how we can best help and focus on that!
• Get them the appropriate support they need. We cannot be their saviour. As a friend, family member etc, the best thing we can do to support is to get them the appropriate help they need. Our Growth Rooms can be a great start for support. If you or someone you know may be interested in attending, please do head to our website and enquire at the "Growth Rooms" tab: https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Welcome @Shaz51, you are more than welcome to read back through the discussion 🙂

Thanks @Daisydreamer I didn't know this was on, I couldn't make it anyway 7pm is always hard but I will read back. Thank you