BE INFORMED
Ask more questions and learn what you can so that, if needed, you
are better prepared for difficult times or stressful situations.
A LITTLE MORE
Knowing when to walk away from a project, relationship or situation that is no longer working is a difficult thing to do. Before making that decision, take some time to ask yourself if you have given it everything you can or if there is a little bit more you have to offer before stepping back.
BET STOP
Did you know Australians lose approximately $25 billion on legal forms of gambling each year? $25 billion, that's a lot of money to lose when cost of living keeps going higher. Bet Stop is an initiative where you can self register and block your access to all phone and online gambling providers.
FIGHTING BACK
While taking part in a Nat Geo documentary called 'Limitless' Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth discovered he has genes linked to an increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's Disease. Turning this knowledge into a positive learning experience, he has made changes to work life balance and exercise.
QUIET TIME
'Structured periods of silence' is something a number of well know public figures describe as important to their success. For those with family and friend caring responsibilities, spare or free time is rare but when it does happen, have you thought about making it a time for silence and relaxation?
STOP DIGGING
Stop digging is the first piece of advice when you find yourself stuck in a rut. We all have times in life where it feels like our motivation is missing, we struggle to do simple things and often just feel stuck for no real reason. Focusing on a few key actions can help get you out of that rut.
HEALTHY HABITS
During Men's Health Week in June, the Australian Men's Health Shed Association shared some healthy habits for living well. Show kindness, challenge your mind and care for your environment are some of the tips that you can easily follow to help you stay active and connected with others.
THINK TWICE
Aimed at providing credible health information online, US website WEBMD published an article recently highlighting a rise of falls in all seniors with men most at risk. Strength, balance and over estimating ability can play a role in this increased risk of men falling.
HARD ROAD
"I was trying to rationalise my drinking ... a couple beers after my show and that always escalated." Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer speaking about depression and addiction. 12 years sober, 'Munky' reflects on taking the 'hard road to sobriety'.
CARING FUTURE
The need for informal care is set to rise more than 20% by 2030 yet estimations suggest only a 15% increase to the current number of family and friend carers in Australia. With no easy solutions in sight, the idea of greater flexibility in the workplace for employees is a step in the right direction.
RECLASSIFIED
Described as a 'baby step in the right direction' Australia has given psychiatrists the ability to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin for patients with specific conditions. The move recognises the medicinal use of psychedelics to help, like any other medication, improve an individuals quality of life.
CHECK UP
When was the last time you visited the GP for a general check up? It's not uncommon for men to put off going to see a health professional until the problem or issue is advanced. Be proactive and make time to visit the GP, book in for an eye test, skin check and chat about any concerns you have.
NO NEWS
Time is the most valuable thing we have and yet it can be easy to waste in our digital world where the speed of news and information can sometimes be overwhelming. "Spend less time consuming information and more time thinking" is the advice when it comes to the time you spend scrolling and watching.
1 IN 7
3.6 million Australians or a staggering 1 in 7, have some form of Arthritis. It is estimated there are around 200 different Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs. Arthritis Australia have some handy tips to help support.
HEART DAY
World heart day is September 29th and the World Heart Federation want you to know that 'Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart'. In Australia, cardiovascular disease claims the life of one person every 12 minutes.
DEMENTIA KNOWLEDGE
Half a million Australians are impacted by Dementia with around 1.6 million people involved in their care. Dementia Australia estimate the number of 'people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years'. Find an in person or online event to learn more during this Dementia Action Week.
OLDER MEN
Suicide in older men is a topic not often discussed but a recent article has highlighted the need for us all to pay more attention. The overall suicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000 people in 2020 with men over 85 years 3 times that number at 36.2 per 100,000 people. Read the article linked below and talk to others about it.
#iOAD2022
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those who have died and the grief of family and friends left behind. Often linked to illegal drugs, risk of overdose can also occur through mistakes or misuse of prescribed medicine which makes it is important to be aware of medications in and around your home.
HOW'S DAD?
Healthy Male recently published an article which looked at the topic of birth trauma and how dad's can be impacted. Describing how dads can feel powerless, unheard, invalidated, and disregarded, the article sheds light onto a difficult subject which is rarely spoken about.
ON THE TOOLS
National Tradies Health Month is an opportunity to share traditional health messages about eating well and staying active but it's also a chance to remind tradies and home DIY'ers about the importance of working safely and wearing personal protective gear when required. With a little planning the job can be made safer.
PCFA SUPPORT
News of a 34% increase in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in Australian men means that the lives of over 24,000 Aussie blokes along with their family and friends will change over the next 12 months. The PCFA offer an online community where information, resources and support is shared.
DRINK CHOICES
1 in 4 Australians exceeded alcohol guidelines in 2020/21 with men most likely to consume more. 'Changing the world’s relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time.' the Hello Sunday Morning self assessment tool encourages you to check drinking habits and change if needed.
MEN TODAY
“I guess I’m old school. I was a tough guy. But that’s not what makes you a man” – Michael Bisping, retired mixed martial artist. Sharing their thoughts on what masculinity means in the modern day, a new article in Men's Health Australia features a fashion designer, rugby player, dancer, musician and trans rights activist, all with a different perspective.
GRANTS OPEN
Awareness, Belonging and Connection is the theme for Mental Health Week again this year with applications now open for grants from the Mental Health Council of Tasmania. Supporting small community activities through to large public events there is something for everyone.
CARER LEADERS
Patience, being reliable, willing to learn and having a focus on people around them, family carers develop leadership skills and strengths on a daily basis. Join the July Peak Speaks with Mental Health Carers NSW to explore the topic of 'Carers as Leaders'
MATES NIGHT
A healthy environment does not need to be a place, it can simply be somewhere we spark up a conversation on any topic and know someone is there to listen and we have mates who will encourage and support us on the bad days and be there alongside us in the good days. Click below for a look back at our Men's Health Week Mates Night.
F.A.S.T
Along with the FAST signs to help recognise a stroke, - Face, Arms, Speech, Time, there are other signs of stroke that should be taken seriously. Sudden loss of vision or blurring, loss of balance or severe headaches should be discussed with your GP or dial 000 in an emergency.
OUTBACK MIND
Set up to support and highlight issues impacting on regional Australian men, Outback Mind promotes discussions on healthy, happy, conscious and connected lives through their podcast. From famers to football stars and everyone in between, there are well over 150 episodes of wide ranging topics to pick from.
SLEEP TALK
Diet and exercise are often the first things we change to help improve our health but sleep is also a vital aspect of overall wellbeing. Stress, pressure, shift work or being in a caring role can make it hard to get a good nights rest. Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds have a free webinar on June 15th on the science of sleep.
MONEY MATTERS
Mortgage payments or rent, petrol, groceries, medications .. the endless list of expenses goes on and on. Sometimes the money just isn't there to cover the next bill that comes in which is where the National Debt Helpline can help with experienced financial counsellors who offer FREE information & advice.
TALKING TABLETS
Medications can help manage an illness or chronic pain and so it's important that you know and understand how they work best. Free for Medicare and DVA card holders of any age, a Pharmacist will visit you to answer questions and provide a Medicine Review all of which is arranged through your GP.
BIPOLAR LOVE
"I need you and 'acts of service' more than ever in these down moments." Tiffany Romito writes to her husband in a letter about loving with bipolar disorder. Mood swings can make communication in any relationship challenging, Tiffany writes to her husband to express emotions and a message that may otherwise be lost.
.41c
41c an hour is roughly what Toowoomba man George receives as a carer for his mum Elizabeth. A new report 'Caring Costs Us' found that, on average, a primary informal carer will forego an estimated $567,000 in lost income and superannuation.
POSTAL VOTE
A federal election has been called with Saturday May 21st the official polling day. If you live with illness, disability or care for someone who does, you can apply for a postal vote. This option, along with attending a pre-polling centre prior to election day can make it easier to have your vote counted.
FERTILE KNOWLEDGE
How much do you know about male fertility? Did you know that the lifecycle of sperm is around 72 days which means men experiencing problems can make changes and see improvements in just a few months. Researchers at the Uni of Adelaide are calling on Aussie men to share their knowledge of male fertility.
CARER CHALLENGES
Australian carers have the opportunity to take part in a short, confidential survey that will help shape future supports for family and friend carers supporting older Australians living with depression or anxiety. Honest feedback on good and bad experiences is welcome and will help identify key challenges for carers.
MEDIA WATCH
Over the past few months a lot of distressing events have been happening locally and around the world. It can be hard at these times to manage the emotion and connection to these events particularly when news is at our fingertips 24/7. Managing your media use and taking time to process news can be helpful.
BIPOLAR DAY
Celebrated world-wide on March 30th, World Bipolar Day provides a platform for individuals and communities to educate, discuss and improve understanding of bipolar disorder. It is estimated by Mental Health First Aid Australia that up to 1 in 50 people will experience bipolar symptoms each year.
HOLDING A GRUDGE
There is a quote attributed to Buddha that goes "Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." We all get angry or upset with other people from time to time but holding onto that negative emotion long after the cause of that feeling can cause you other problems in life.
TALK THERAPY
Diagnosed with anxiety after a visit to the hospital with chest pain it took a further 8 years for Lenard McKelvey aka 'Charlamagne tha God' to look for support and answers to his mental health challenges. The latest Very Well Mind podcast features an open discussion about therapy and the benefits of working on understanding emotions and mental health.
ENERGY
When you feel overworked and have little time for family or hobbies consider making small changes to your diet, drinking habits and sleep as a starting point to take control of your day. 'Time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story.' How do you spend your physical and mental energy?
BIBLIOTHERAPY
Talking about your troubles and emotions with a health professional can be an impractical and let's be honest uncomfortable proposition for many blokes but there are alternatives that can help when you're feeling lost. 'Bibliotherapy' is reading books aimed at helping you better understand and acknowledge your thoughts during difficult times.
MLAK
The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is designed to give people with disabilities and their carers access to 'dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day'. Used in shopping centres, open spaces, railway stations and on some playground equipment the MLAK can be purchased through locksmiths or ordered online.
THE MALE
The latest issue of 'The Male' from leading Australian Men's Health organisation Healthy Male is focused on men's mental health. From trying to understand what is often a complex set of issues, habits to help keep you on track and many more insightful articles The Male magazine is a great conversation starter for men.
PLAY IT FAIR
With the amount of time we are spending online, chances are you have been witness to behaviour and language that most of us would not accept in the real world. There is no place for online abuse and Safer Internet Day is about promoting positive online behaviours that are respectful and kind for people of all ages.
OK TO SAY NO
Author Scott Fetters say's that having your own set of clearly defined needs, challenges and deadlines can help eliminate distractions and limit any inclination to 'people please'. Learning to say no when your plate is already full is not selfish it is about using your time and energy on the things that matter most to you.
MIXED EMOTIONS
Life can be unpredictable and often makes you feel a mix of emotions. It's not uncommon to feel happy but flat or worried and hopeful at the same time. You can't always control what is happening in life but you can aim to take control of how you respond to situations and emotions by being aware of them and knowing how to manage.
RURAL HEARTBEAT
The Foundation for Rural Reginal Renewal 'Heartbeat of Rural Australia' study looks at how not-for-profits and community groups in remote, rural and regional Australia have managed issues such as funding, ability to hold events and volunteer numbers over the past couple of challenging years during covid, bushfires, floods and drought.
DOLLAR WATCH
Overspending during the festive season can be easy to do, buying presents, big meals and extra treats can all add up. The team at CANSTAR have put together 15 money saving tips around buying gifts, going on holidays and going to parties. Plan ahead and work within a set budget to keep your bank account healthy for the new year.
FAMILY SUPPORT
A marriage breakdown, the recession and a physical injury prevented Duncan Large from taking part in a sport he loved and impacted greatly on his mental health. Duncan now speaks about his experience as a parent living with a mental illness and advocates to improve the recognition and support for children and families in similar situations.
BODY IMAGE
33% of men rarely talk about issues with poor body image or low self-esteem and sadly it's a topic that 44% of blokes never talk about. An article published in UK Men's Health explores male body image and expectations from the perspective of different men including a bodybuilder, model, strong man and cyclist.
200
Since October 2nd 2017 MCT Monday has been consistently arriving via email to people all over Australia and in countries around the world. In this time we included more than 800 stories aimed at sharing the wide range of informal and formal approaches to men's health and wellbeing. Happy 200th edition of MCT Monday, thank you for your support!
BLUE SKY NEWS
Almost 70% of men with prostate cancer have unmet information needs. If you're looking for news, research and insights on prostate cancer then 'Blue Sky News' is for you. Produced by Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and free to access this publication might help answer some of your questions.
TEN TO MEN
Since 2013 around 16,000 males aged 10-55 years have been taking part in a longitudinal study on Australian males exploring their mental health, alcohol use, general health and health literacy. An online workshop this Thursday will provide detailed understanding on the most recent study findings.
1 IN 5
Around 1 in 5 Australians experience some form of mental health illness each year. If someone in your life is unwell there are things you can do to help them feel better supported. Gain confidence and become prepared to help with a greater understanding of what is going on by becoming a Mental Health First Aider.
CONSTRUCTIVE ANGER
Our mates at Thriving Carer recently shared some articles that have had an impact with people in their community. One that stood out is on 'Constructive Anger'. Along with being told not to cry, men are often told not to get angry but anger is a human emotion 'that doesn't always have to be negative and harmful'.
DAD FILM
MCT has linked with Autism Tasmania to present a special screening of Australian film DAD, a look at autism and fatherhood. After the screening, hear from North West Coast Dads during a panel discussion and find out about local activities and groups run by local men for local men - free event thanks to funding from the Mental Health Council Tasmania.
LEISURE TIME
Participants in a study who viewed leisure time as wasteful were also found to have higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. With technology and productivity playing such a large role in many lives it can be hard to switch off and truly enjoy time in nature or with family and friends but it is an important aspect of wellbeing
DEMENTIA WEEK
It's Dementia Action Week and close to half a million Aussies live with Dementia according to Dementia Australia who also estimate that around 1.6 million Australians are providing care. Tips for a Dementia friendly home, memory books and more support can be found on the Dementia Australia website.
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
The Carers NSW 2021 Conference is going virtual and will showcase how policy, programs and practice are helping support carers. With around 1 in 10 Aussie men in family/unpaid caring roles MCT hopes to learn about how and where services are working to engage more effectively with men.
WRITE ON
"When I write, I feel more balance" says Victor Imbimbo, CEO of Caring Today. Did you know that writing about emotions and stress may help improve wellbeing by providing a level of structure and organisation to your thoughts. Check out The Good Men Project article for some writing tips and prompts.