Guyra Men’s Health Night will be held at the Ben Lomond Hall this Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event will discuss matters which too many men try to cope with by themselves: mental health, depression, and prostrate cancer.
Speakers will give out resources, and provide information on where to find support and advice locally.
READ ALSO:
The star speaker on the night will be former professional rugby footballer Wendell Sailor, a dual code international who played both league and union for Australia.
Since his retirement, he has travelled around Australia raising awareness of men’s health issues.
Third-generation farmer Rob Anderson will talk about surviving droughts, depression, and the stresses of working on a farm and living in a rural town.
Natasha Bissell, Tamworth Hospital’s prostrate cancer specialist, will provide resources on the disease.
Mental health clinicians and Centacare workers will also attend.
“I would absolutely recommend people attend that evening,” Guyra psychologist Marni Hietbrink, of Peak Psychology, said.
She advises that if people are struggling, they should first see their GP, who can help them access psychological help.
"Most farmers don't seek help with regards to mental health issues,” Ms Hietbrink said.
It was also important to have good social interactions, exercise, adequate sleep, and a good diet.
“People who do those four things well often don’t experience as many mental ill health issues,” Ms Hietbrink said.
The main warning signs for depression, she said, are withdrawal and disengagement from activities someone normally enjoys.
“If you notice friends or families not attending regular activities – not showing up at a family dinner, not engaging with their sporting club – there's probably a good time to check in,” Ms Hietbrink said.
“'Hey, I noticed you usually love these things. Recently you haven't been doing them, or, if you have, you’ve not got much pleasure from them. Are you OK?'”
Other great resources in Guyra include The Hub, the neighbourhood centre at 160 Bradley Street. They offer referral services and outreach, and can help people find the information they need, or direct them in the way they might need.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), at 153 Bradley St, can also help people doing it tough, with financial and other support, including clothing, furniture, and other items given away free of charge.
The Guyra Men's Health Night is at the Ben Lomond Hall (1233 Ben Lomond Road, Ben Lomond) on Friday, October 19, from 6pm to late. Reservations closed October 5. Entry free. Free return bus travel from Guyra; dinner supplied.
The event is sponsored by Guyra MPS, Adam Marshall, the Cronulla Sharks, the Parramatta Eels, JM & G George Investments, and The Whitebull.