Coping with the daily grind
We can all get a bit down, stressed or anxious from time to time. Financial concerns, work, relationship problems and other unexpected life events can take their toll. But if you start experiencing these feelings for more than a couple of weeks, or you find these negative emotions are interfering with your life, you should seek help.
Depression and anxiety can affect men of any age. Depression will affect up to 1 in 8 men, while 1 in 4 men will experience anxiety in their lifetime.
Less than a third of men who have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months will seek help. Depression is an illness (not a weakness) and like other illnesses, there are treatments available.
A lot of guys are brought up to believe that toughing it out is the way to deal with stress, anxiety and depression, some might resort to alcohol or drugs to help them cope, but this only makes the problem worse.
How to cope
To stay in good mental and emotional health:
- Talk to someone close to you like a family member or close friend
- Discuss how you’re feeling with a doctor, counsellor or a support group
- Stay active—exercise is a great way to stay physically, mentally and emotionally fit
- Eat a healthy diet. You should also limit alcohol intake and avoid drugs as these will only make things worse.
How to get help
Get help for you or a friend by calling:
For more information visit:
- Beyond blue—a not-for-profit organisation that helps people with depression, anxiety and related issues
- The Shed Online—a place for men to come together, get involved and talk about men’s issues
- the mental health and wellbeing section of this website.
