Shocking statistics have revealed the suicide rate in Australia and campaigners are urging people to speak up when they're feeling low.
Every day, nine people in Australia take their own lives. Seven of those are men. That's every single day.
Figures from 2019 show 3,300 people suicided and 75 per cent of those are male. Suicide remains the biggest killer of men aged between 15 to 44.
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It's pertinent to note these statistics during Men's Health Week, which aims to raise awareness of all the issues that afflict Aussie blokes.
There are loads of men-specific mental health services all across Australia, including support groups where blokes can talk about whatever they want.
The Australian Men's Shed Association is keen for people who might be struggling to 'book a date' with their mates or someone who is close to them during this week.
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Executive officer David Helmers said: "You're never too old to get something out of having a group of friends - whether they've been around forever and a day, or they're new connections.
"The empirical evidence is clear. Social participation is positively linked to mental wellbeing and quality of life, particularly in older people."
The Australian government was criticised for not dedicating more attention and funds to mental health services when it unveiled its federal budget last month. It's crucial that funding filters down into these grassroots groups as they can be instrumental in turning someone's mood around.
But campaigners are hopeful that the tide is slowly turning on the stereotype that men don't talk.
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Dr Neil Hall from Western Sydney University's Centre for Male Health told AAP that more younger men are seeking help compared to their older counterparts.
"One of the things we're starting to see, the stigma associated with mental health problems is reducing," he said.
"In the last five years there's been a boom in the number of community support groups for men. We estimate there are 300 across the country, whereas ten years ago there might have been ten."
Dr Hall is hoping people continue this trend and speak up when they're feeling low or are on the brink.
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Too many people don't open up to their nearest and dearest when they're struggling for a whole host of reasons. That needs to change.
"Connecting with family is a prime protective factor for good mental health and wellbeing," he said.
"A simple conversation between friends can be the start of something positive.
"It might be through hosting an event to create awareness, through to picking up the phone to a loved one, or sharing resources and information."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia