WHAT is "mental health"? What is it to "be a man"? Depression/Anxiety: What are they?
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These were the questions asked of the 100 people who attended the third forum in the Southern Highlands Men's Health Month in November in the auditorium of the St. Jude's Anglican Church in Bowral.
Dr Geoff Sparkes of the Moss Vale Medical Centre feels that Mental Health is integral to being "well" as much as physical health and social stability, and as GPs are the primary care provider they should be vigilant and ready to treat mental health issues if they occur.
He showed his passionate concern for the men around him as "overall mental health pathology has a greater burden on society than cancer and heart diseases".
Barry Taylor said most men were hard pushed to define "What is it to be a man?"
Barry, who is the Manager of Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, has worked in suicide prevention for 29 years.
He believes men are continually trying to understand what our society and culture says it is to be a man and it is only in a lived experience of being a man that we can decipher the question-i.e. we learn it from other men. He shared a vision for men's well-being - men who are confident and grounded, secure in their identity, celebrating of their maleness and actively involved in the development and well-being of themselves and their family.
Psychiatrist, Dr Angelo Virgona identified the differences between Depression and Anxiety and what they were and what forms they could come in.
He explained what made us vulnerable and they included genetics, personality, and phase of life, illness and pain.
He also considered alcohol, lack of sleep and being male could contribute.
The preventative measures available were to eat well, exercise, sleep well and not to drink (much). Your first defence was to see your GP.
Next week the theme of "Men and Exercise" will be introduced by Dr Vince Roche GP followed by Dr Simon Grant who will discuss "Diabetes".
"Obesity" will be covered by Dr Shirhan and Dr Patrick Meaney will look at "Dental Health for Men".
There will be time for a Question and Answer session before we close with a word from our Patron, Dr Terry Flynn.
For further information contact Tom Carroll on 0419 482 208 or email: carroll.tom747@gmail.com.</SPAN>