Men's Health Week Q&A

June 12-18 is Men’s Health Week. Chief Medical Officer and GP, Dr Daryl Kroschel, provides insight and some practical advice on men’s health and wellbeing.

How important is it for men to talk about their mental health and emotional wellbeing?

Fortunately, in recent years, there is greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to men’s health. There have been recent examples of high profile men putting up their hand and seeking help. We know men have a higher rate of suicide than women – the number of men who die by suicide is almost double the national road toll. Men’s mental health and wellbeing impacts on themselves, their relationships at home and with others.

What can men to do to check in with each other, and themselves?

In part, as a result of COVID, many men have lost work, social networks and their usual routines. It’s really important to re-establish these connections and reach out to friends to check in or catch up. You don’t have to wait for R U OK day. Sometimes mental health problems are subtle or may manifest in other ways, including drinking too much or other risk-taking behaviour. It’s important to seek help if you recognise a change in yourself or a friend.

This year’s theme for Men’s Health Week is ‘Healthy Habits’. What habits would you recommend men incorporate into their daily lives to improve their health and wellbeing?

Whilst it’s tempting to look for the latest fad, it’s best to get back to basics when it comes to exercise, sensible eating choices, focussing on sleep. I’m not talking about extreme sports – it’s more about staying?active moving (motion is lotion), viewing junk food as ‘sometimes’ food and addressing any issues impacting on sleep. On the other side of the coin, if men smoke or have other unhealthy habits including drinking too much, it’s important to get some help when they are committed to cutting down or stopping.

How can healthy habits be incorporated into the workplace, particularly when it comes to mental health?

We’re still learning to live with COVID, which has had a huge impact on us all. Don’t underestimate the value in living out the organisational values in interactions with others; sometimes you don’t know what is happening in a colleague’s work or personal life. At a practical level, make sure you get regular breaks during the day and if possible get some fresh air or go for a quick walk. And as best you can, leave work at work and set boundaries in your personal life. This may be a simple as not checking your work emails after hours.

What tips do you have for younger men to recognise health issues?

Get off the screens/devices, check in with yourself and friends. Never before have we been more connected, but lonely. From a physical side, younger men should check their testes for lumps and bumps on a monthly basis. There are plenty of online resources that can show you how. If you find a lump, don’t ignore it. See more at the?Movember website.

Advice for men who aren’t sure where to start when it comes to their health?

Putting on my GP hat – we are the navigators of the health system and a great first step in addressing any health issues or concerns. We don’t bite, we don’t judge and no doubt whatever problems men may have, we’ve seen it all before. For those men that may be embarrassed, or just looking for information, avoid ‘Dr Google’ but seek out reputable websites like Beyond Blue or Movember as a resource.