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Kalamunda mental health service hitting stigma for six

Lucy JarvisMidland Kalamunda Reporter

Richmond Wellbeing started catching up with players in cricket clubrooms after matches this season in a bid to address suicide rates, which it found was the biggest killer of men aged 18-40.

Operations executive manager Adrian Munro visited clubrooms, including at Kalamunda Cricket Club, with director of Richmond Wellbeing Learning Exchange, Ian Thompson.

“When it comes to males there tends to be a strong stigma associated with any mental health issues such as anxiety or depression,” Munro said.

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“Women tend naturally to chat to each other and, quite often, by just sharing your thoughts problems can be solved.

“Men are less inclined to talk, so our approach is prevention before cure.”

Munro said there were many services available when people were struggling, but they wanted to encourage men to talk about issues sooner, with sports clubs a good way to reach groups of men.

“It’s so much better and cheaper for the community to provide these services early on,” he said.

“The clubroom chats have been informal and offer advice on what depression and anxiety feel like or how to recognise a mate who is struggling, and teaching men how to listen.

“The presentation includes info on what a GP and mental health providers like Headspace, Lifeline and beyondblue can do.”

For more visit www.rw.org.au or call 9350 8800.