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Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember30 May 2019, 12:05 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Identifying as being in a caring role, particularly as a male can be a little challenging at times. As our special guest @Greg_MenCareToo for this event from Men Care too mentions “Caring and nurture are characteristics not often associated with males but every man has a different experience and unique responsibilities in life. The same can be said when it comes to the caring role.”

We are really excited to make the most of the Topic Tuesday event to explore the feelings around identity, challenges and communication when it comes to being a male in a caring role or being a carer who understands the challenges and can offer those insights to others too.

We welcome all of the community, male or not to share their perspectives and insights!

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Topic Tuesday takes place right here! It's text based, so no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the latest posts (it doesn't automatically update). Keep an eye for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post.

Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:44 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Great question @Former-Member

Volunteering and studying are two things that have given me something to focus on, to be proud of and that helps me connect with others socially. It took quiet a while to feel ok about pursuing my own interests and not feel guilty or that I was letting anyone down by not being there 24/7.

It is hard to do, but what has helped me was to think about the future and how having outside interests would help me be better prepared for if, or when my caring role changed. Having something else in your life, big or small, is an important part of your own well being.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

DeterminedSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:45 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Former-Member this is something I have not achieved yet.

Only recently I have started to get back into some photography as something to do with our S2 .and at the end of last year got myself a motorbike (after dreaming about it forn25+ years)

Trying hard to work on this area .

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MrDadContributor25 June 2019, 7:46 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Greg_MenCareToo I have had some conversations with friends and family. I don't have much family left. Both parents have pass on as has 1 sister. My other 2 sisters and I don't really talk much. They are considerably older than me and have their own families including grand kids and even a great grandkid of their own to be involved with. That leaves me with friends some of whom I have been close to for nearly 40 years. They are aware and we have had some discussions. I sometimes feel uncomfortable discussion myself and I know they do too. Here nobody knows me and I can talk. Bit like sharing with the professionals. I don't have to maintain a friendship and don't have to worry about them or the effect my issues may have on others when I talk to Professionals on in this or other forums.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:47 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Determined Relief is a good word to use when talking about sharing something important with someone else.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MDTSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:48 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Hi forumites
What is tonight's topic?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

JMRDCasual Contributor25 June 2019, 7:50 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@MrDad Yes. Mental health and illness is poorly understood by many people. And there are still many false and bias opinions about mental illness.
When people do not understand something, they are uncomfortable talking about it. On top of that, if we tell them that we are in trouble because of our mental health, they feel helpless. Since they don't understand, their suggestions do not address the issues.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MrDadContributor25 June 2019, 7:50 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

I have support to do Art Classes once a week. This is my hobby and I paint and draw regularily, I also go for walks to just have a short time out when appropriate.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

ethSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:51 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Evening all @Former-Member @Greg_MenCareToo @Nino @Determined @MrDad @Shaz51 @JMRD @Adge @MDT and anyone I've missed tagging. Want to say it's great to see this discussion happening. I've been long aware that it's harder for male carers to get the support they deserve from the general community, or even friends and family.

I should say I'm not male, but have been a disability carer both at home and at work for decades and hope to contribute usefully to the discussion. In my work I supported several male carers over the years.

Great that you're doing this work @Greg_MenCareToo and also that you are sharing here to all those participating tonight.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:51 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@MrDad I think the opportunity to share some of the frustration or challenges anonymously is well suited to us blokes. If it works that's what matters.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 7:52 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Welcome @MDT - tonight we are discussing being a male that is in a caring role!

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