Men talk mental health over breakfast

MEN’S mental health was in the spotlight in Torquay on World Mental Health Day, with a special breakfast feauring former AFL and NRL players speaking openly about their experiences.

The “Big Boys Breakfast”, held at the Torquay Bowls Club on Monday this week, was also the official launch of this year’s Art of the Minds Festival, which celebrates National Mental Health Month throughout October.

Featured speakers included former North Melbourne and Melbourne AFL player Majak Daw, and former Balmain Tigers NRL player and now Black Dog Institute ambassador Wayne Wigham.

Mr Daw said he had been experiencing mental health issues before his suicide attempt, but only fully appreciated his problems when he woke up in hospital surrounded by his family.

“Embarrassing is not the right word. For the first time in a long time, I really couldn’t run away – physically, I couldn’t move, I was in bed – but I broke a lot of people’s hearts.

“I knew this time around I had to do something about it, both physically and mentally.

“The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is working with the professionals is really important; they gave me the tools to get my life back on track.”

Mr Wigham said it was vital for men to recognise when they were not coping and to do something about it.

“A lot of hard men have big, soft hearts and don’t know what to do with them.

“Life itself is harder than being a professional sportsperson. Do not worry, you’re just getting hit, but you’ve got to put your hand up.

“Life is hard, be proud of yourself that you’re in the game, but if the pressure gets to you, get help. If the professional athletes do it, because they respect each other, we must do it outselves in life. Don’t keep staying in the ring getting smashed.”

Art of the Minds president and author Jules Haddock said she discovered her own experience of mental health issues was not unique when she decided to disclose it in 2015.

“We cannot navigate the trials of mental illness without each other.

“For every woman that takes her life, four men die by their own hand.

“Does that mean we are all mad? No, it means we are all vulnerable to a diagnosed, common illness that can be treated.”

Foundation 61 founder Rob Lytzki, Kristy Steenhuis from Standby Support After Suicide and Michael “Juddy” Judd from DIIGG (Doing Imperfect Inner Growth in Groups) and Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton were the other speakers at the event.The Art of the Minds Festival continues this weekend.

For the full program, head to artoftheminds.org.au