Mind Your Mates, Year 10 Wellbeing Incursion

"We need to overcome the silence in the community around suicide and be responsive to the early warning signs of suicide among family and friends, school and work colleagues, by strengthening people's awareness and ability to take action."

Harden up. Suck it up. Man up. We’ve been telling our men this for years, but is it healthy? Suicide is now the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44. And alarming new research suggests that some men choose to take their own life, rather than appear weak by asking for help. 

Mind Your Mates is a 1-hour presentation—what we call a toolbox tool—to bring awareness around mental health issues and the recognisable signs that suicide might be on someone’s mind. We need to know, we need to be real and open to someone being able to voice emotions around mental health issues. Not just men, of course, but especially men.

Mind Your Mates Outline

(Typical 40 minute session)

Introduction 
Invitation to talk about the stigma and taboo that often prevent us from having serious conversations about suicide.

Talking about myths 
Exploring the myths surrounding suicide and debunking them.

Recognising signs 
Looking at the warning signs of acute distress or despair such as changes in appearance, change in mood, loss or a series of losses, giving possessions away.

Preparing to ask 
How to listen appropriately

Asking the question 
The importance of asking about thoughts of suicide, how best to ask.

Referral 
Know where to refer someone to the help they need and deserve.