Men+Shed+some+Light+on+Mental+Health

Name: Larah McKenna Student Number: n7191154 Tutors Name: Colleen Nilan

=**Mental Health Australia**= = = =**Australian Men's Shed Association**=

= media type="youtube" key="79pjoDepAh0" height="315" width="560" align="center"

=

//“It does well to remember that people would tend to knock something that they don’t understand, there will always be plenty who will say ‘you gotta’ and ‘you have-ta’, few will come forward and say ‘how can I help?’”// – Peter Sergeant, Managing Director of Men’s Shed Australia.


 * Mental Health Australia**

Green, Gold, and Blue: How well does Australia deal with Mental Health in 2011? What is working, what isn’t, and what should be done?


 * Australian Men’s Shed Association**

The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is a relatively new charitable, community-based, not-for-profit association (AMSA, 2009) and is an initiative by one of Australia’s largest Mental Health support networks, Beyond Blue. AMSA aims to provide a support network for **__all__** men, of **__all__** ages, all over Australia. With over 480 registered Men’s Sheds across Australia in late 2010, it makes AMSA the largest men’s support association in Australia (AMSA, 2009). The association has over 45,000 members, ageing from as young as 18 years, through to those seeing out their last days. They target men who are seen to be most at risk, particularly those in rural and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, males with a disability and/or mental illness, migrant males, males who are socially disadvantaged and/or isolated, and groups from areas where there is a high percentage of males out of work (AMSA, 2009).


 * Mental Health Australia**

Mental Health in Australia is the largest cause of non-fatal disability of any disease in the country, with one in five Australian experiencing a form of mental illness each year, and almost one in two Australians suffering from some form of mental illness at some stage during their life (Australian Government, 2010). Mental health issues are the leading barrier to workforce participation than any other illness in the country, and therefore, it is essential for people suffering from a mental illness to have readily available access to a range of services from across government – health and clinical care services, but also stable accommodation, community support and education and training opportunities, and for these services to remain even across Australia, across all states and territories (Australian Government, 2010).


 * Literature Review**

When researching the topic of Mental Health in Australia, it is clear that although women seem to be the ones more likely to self diagnose themselves with a mental or behavioral problem, it is the men who are most at risk when it comes to the life threatening outcome – suicide. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, females showed to be more likely than males to report a long-term mental or behavioral problem, and were also more likely to report having a high, or very high, level of psychological distress than men (15% compared to 10%). In 2004-05, females reported having higher rates than males for mental or behavioral problems overall in each five-year age group, with the exception of those aged under 18 years and those aged over 75 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007).

**Prevalence of mental and behavioural problems (a)**



When comparing these statistics to suicide rates, however, the results were alarming. Out of the 2,101 registered deaths from suicide in 2005, nearly 80% of these were deaths of males (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). Unfortunately, these statistics have remained constant since the first studies in 1995, and therefore, it is evident that the appropriate action should be taken to try and reduce not only the rate of suicide in males, but for suicide in general.

**SUICIDE, TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS**



According to studies, the most common risk factors for males and suicide are:

> > The suicide rate for men peaks between the ages of 20-24, and again in the older age group. Suicide in these older age groups are believed to be most strongly associated with depression, physical pain and illness, suffering after losing loved ones and friends, or from work related issues, such as termination (Kennard, J., 2007). They will usually suffer from the feeling of being isolated, ignored, valueless, hopelessness, guilty or being overly dependent on others (Kennard, J., 2007). It has also been found that the rate of completion of those who attempt suicide is four times higher in males than for females (Kennard, J., 2007).
 * Using medication, drugs and/or alcohol to help cope with emotions, relationships, pressure of work etc.
 * Social isolation, living alone.
 * Not being able to form or sustain meaningful relationships.
 * Divorce or relationship breakdowns.
 * A history of physical and sexual abuse.
 * Imprisonment.
 * Being bullied at school/college/work.
 * Unemployment.
 * Loss of a loved one through trauma or disease.
 * Mental illness, particularly where this is related to depression.
 * Painful and/or debilitating illnesses or conditions (Kennard, J., 2007).

Because men don’t make an issue about their problems, they have consistently been ignored or not identified by both our health system and our modern society. The Australian Men’s Shed Association, however, aims to help men suffering from these symptoms, feelings, and dismissal by our modern society, and also helps to try and prevent these feelings and outcomes occurring.

The Men’s Sheds provide social support and camaraderie. The work-shop based practice claims to be able to enhance men’s lives and well-being in a community setting and allows men to feel like they are part of a group. It allows the men to use their skills, pass their skills on to others, and give back to the community (AMSA, 2009). Members of the shed have an opportunity to participate in restoring furniture, restoring bicycles for a local school, making Mynah bird traps, fixing lawn mowers or even making kids cubby houses for Camp Quality to raffle. It allows males to work on projects of their choice, in their own time, in the company of other males, and the only ‘must’ is to observe safe working practices (AMSA, 2009). The program also provides a friendly environment to talk about their past, or any problems they are experiencing (AMSA, 2009). Sometimes all it takes to increase a person’s self worth is by just having someone to talk to.

Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive and valuable to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and an active mind. The Men’s Shed gives a man that safe and busy environment where he can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned, traditional mate-ship which follows the old Australian culture (AMSA, 2009).

The Australian Government have also supported this cause by creating the Australian Government Shed Development Programs which aids to provide direct financial assistance to Men’s Sheds across Australia. Under the program, $250,000 is allocated each financial year, and all Sheds in Australia can apply for up to a total of $10,000 for a range of financial support to help fund tools and equipment, building maintenance and development, and shed activities and programs. This allows sheds and organizations supporting Sheds within their communities to apply for funds to better respond to the local needs (AMSA, 2009).

Another group who have decided to support the association is that of the “Points with a Purpose Program”, founded by the well known Rugby League team, the Melbourne Storm, and is also promoted extensively at the “Men’s Health Week” that runs for a week usually in mid June of every year (Youtube, Melbourne Storm TV., 2010).

media type="youtube" key="K8LTCFNB-gw" height="315" width="560" align="center"

//Australian Men's Shed Association and the "Points with a Purpose Program" being promoted at Men's Health Week, 2010 (Youtube, Melbourne Storm TV., 2010).//

This Australian founded project has also been proved to be very successful, and is steadily spreading to countries all around the world, with 30 new Men’s Shed organizations registered in New Zealand, and seven in Ireland, in late 2010, and with similar workshops being expressed from other parts of Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Due to all of this research, it quickly becomes evident that this initiative is one to sustain and fund as it addresses a very important issue, and one that is surprisingly popular in our society.


 * Cultural and Social Analysis**

Most men have learned from our culture that the ‘blokey’ thing to do is to not talk about feelings and emotions. There has been little encouragement for men to take an interest in their own health and well-being (AMSA, 2009). Unlike women, most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. It is thought to be this reason as to why many men are less healthy than women, they drink more, take more risks and they suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression (AMSA, 2009). Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men find it hard to deal with on their own (AMSA, 2009). Furthermore, it has been found that this social isolation of men has been the main problem leading to men suffering from anger issues, depression, substance abuse, and unfortunately, suicide. Social isolation is, therefore believed to be the number one killer of all men in Australia (AMSA, 2009).

During consultations for the National Male Health Policy there was considerable support expressed for Men’s Sheds for the demonstrated success in reaching marginalised and isolated males and in contributing to improvements in male health and wellbeing, as well as benefiting communities all over Australia.

The modern Men’s Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian culture (AMSA, 2009), and provides a comfortable, friendly environment for men to share their problems with other like-minded males (AMSA, 2009). It is because of this environment that has made the Men’s Shed such a triumph, not only in Australia, but recently all over the world.


 * Analysis of the artefact and your own leaning reflections**

On analysis of my selected artefact, it can be seen that the Australian Men’s Shed Association is a fantastic initiative which has proved to benefit many communities around Australia. Australia should continue to support such organisations to not only provide a preventative measure for mental health, but to also help to build bonds throughout communities.

As someone who has personally been involved with a mental illness, I have realised the importance of having a good, strong, support network to help you through any tough times through life experiences. What makes this program even better, in my opinion, is that there is no real branding on it. The Australian Men’s Shed Association is not branded as a counselling service, or a specific help service, but rather a relaxed, laid back environment for men to participate at their own time, for their own enjoyment.

I have recently started seeing some of the signs of isolation in my father, who, as the typical male does, denies the fact he could have depression or anything related to it. As he is also looking at retiring in the next few years and only has a few friends who are not work collegues, I feel as though I will be able to highly suggest this program for him to get involved in, not as a form of counselling or rehabilitation, but for his own enjoyment and experience, with the chance to gain lifelong friendships with other like-minded men in our community.

However, although this is an excellent initiative and one I would recommend, I believe it should be advertised to the public to make them more aware of these Sheds and the benefits they can have. I believe it should not only be advertised to the males alone, but also family of males. Everyone needs to know they are not alone in this world, and this initiative is definitely setting out to prove it.

//“////Members of Men’s Sheds come from all walks of life - the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and they would like something meaningful to do with that time.”// – Australian Men’s Shed Australia


 * Learning engagement and reflection task**


 * Page:** Generation Why So Serious?
 * Title:** Great Wiki!


 * Post:**

Hi Matthew,

Congratulations on a great Wiki page! I found your analysis of your artifact to be very interesting. I loved reading about how past events, such as the many terrorist attacks (mainly September 11) has helped shape our Generation. I also loved your use of statistics! Some of them were frightening though! I cant believe almost 40% of those over 14 have used marijuana! That definitely came as a shock to me!

Overall, I found it a very enjoyable article to read and I wish you the best for your studies :)

Larah


 * Page:** 'Seriously, R U OK?'
 * Title:** A Great Read!


 * Post:**

Hi Glenn,

Wow! What a fantastic analysis of your artifact! I found it very interesting reading about mental health not only in Australia, but across the globe.

I love that the Australian Government is finally starting to design programs (and also support existing programs) designed to not only help those suffering from a mental illness, but to also help prevent it. The 'R U OK?' campaign sounds like a great way to make the community more aware of mental health, and encourages people to be supportive and open-minded to those potentially suffering from a mental illness.

I also really enjoyed reading about your analysis of the use of Hugh Jackman in the ad - and I agree with you completely!! As soon as I saw his face I immediately started thinking "oohhh hello! I wonder what Hugh Jackman has to say??..." - there's definitely some good sex appeal there!! Not to mention he is seen as a respectable and inspiration man to many men and women of Australia.

Finally, I found your use of research and statistics a fantastic way to back up your argument. It looks like Australia is doing pretty well at both advertising and supporting those with a mental illness! Go us!

Congratulations again on a fantastic article and best of luck with your future studies.

Larah :)


 * References**

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2006). Mental Health in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from []

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2007). Suicides, Australia, 2005. Retrieved September 19, 2011, from []

Australian Government. (2010). National Mental Health Report 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from []

Australian Men’s Shed Assocation (AMSA). (2009). About the Australian Governement Shed Development. Retreived October 21, 2011, from []

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). (2009). Welcome to the Australian Men’s Shed Association. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from []

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). (2009). What is a Men’s Shed? Retrieved October 21, 2011, from []

Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). (2009). A List of Research that Informs Men’s Shed-Based Practice. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from []

Hunter Institute of Mental Health. (2011). Overview of Suicide in Australia. Retrieved October 24, 2011, from []

Kennard, J. (2007). Men and Suicide - More Men Take Their Own Lives. Retrieved October 24, 2011, from []

Men’s Sheds. (2009). About Us. Retreived October 21, 2011, from []

Youtube, fairdinkumsheds. (2010). Australian Men’s Shed Association Community Sevice Announcement.mov. Retrieved September 25, 2011, from []

Youtube, Melbourne Storm TV. (2010). Australian Men’s Shed Association. Retrieved October 24, 2011, from []

Youtube, MenSheds. (2010). What is a Men’s Shed. Retrieved October 24, 2011, from []