Man Up, Suicide and Problem Gambling

A triple interview show today - Gus Worland, Professor Jane Pirkis and David Hollier - there is SO much in this show that has the potential to change peoples lives. 

In ABC's series Man Up, Gus Worland asks why so many Aussie men are taking their own lives.
What he discovers is a debilitating pattern of men wearing masks to hide their feelings, championing stoicism, self-reliance, not sharing feelings nor expressing emotion.

Gus looks squarely in the face of these masks and gently encourages them to be removed. He leads the way by showing how to be a strong man who is sensitive, caring and unafraid to connect with people and how they are and wait for the answer. In short, he can see the importance of being a role model and walking the talk.

In episode two, it comes very close to home when the team conduct a workshop at Gus' sons' school and we see how much is already behind the facade even as teenage boys.

The show had a few technical problems today, I have since found out it is due to ageing equipment at the studio :-( Triple H is ploughing on though and a few days later I have managed to piece the show back together by inserting original edits of the interviews. Some of the interview outs are a bit disjointed though...apologies

In 2014, 2,160 males died by suicide compared with 704 females, 
that is approximately 75% of people who died by suicide
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia, 2014 (Cat, No. 3303.0). Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016

Professor Jane Pirkis Advisory Board, Man Up
Professor Jane Pirkis is the Director of the Centre for Mental Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne. She is a psychologist and epidemiologist with an interest in ways of improving mental health and preventing suicide. Recently, her attention has turned to novel, media-based interventions that might be beneficial. Working on ‘Man Up’ has been a highlight for her, and has convinced her of the power of documentaries to change the way people view themselves and those around them. This series forms part of her research in the potential for media-based interventions and from what I have seen of the show, it doesn't leave anyone who watches it unchanged. You cannot but question if the ideals and beliefs we all take on in society are harming us to the point where we have suicide rates that rob us of so many deeply sensitive human beings.

Australian men are socialised in ways that reinforce norms of stoicism, independence, invulnerability and avoidance of negative emotions

1. Rice S, Fallon B, Bambling M. Men and depression: The impact of masculine role norms throughout the lifespan. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist 2011;28(2):133-44.

My last interview for the day was on a behaviour that masks a number of undealt with issues. May I introduce David Hollier Counsellor and Psychotherapist and Lifeline facilitator of the Gambling Help Support Group

On the back of some shocking statistics:

• Gambling advertising more than tripled in the last 3 years
• Spending on sports betting has tripled over 5 years
• Online gamblers are more likely to develop a problem with gambling
• 1.8 million Australians gambled online last year
• 1 in 6 ads screened during the first round of the AFL were gambling related

 
And the reality of chance - Aus sports betters lost $815 million last year

David Hollier joins me today on the back of a foundation in todays show talking about how men are potentially living to an uncomfortable ideal where coping behaviours mask the disconnect from letting them feel the reaction they might be having to something else going on in their lives. It is a fascinating interview where we will, once again, bring more understanding to a concern in our society and highlighting the amazing support that is available in our community.

Want to know more...

Lifeline 131114
Missed an episode - have no fear - iView is here!!
Man Up Website
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male health - 10 to men
David Hollier Counsellor and Psychotherapist contact
Gambling Helpline - 1800 858 858
Gambling Help Support Group Lifeline to Hawkesbury 26th October for 6 weeks
Our local community radio which always needs your support! check it out, join as a supporter! Triple H 100.1fm
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