 |
|
|
08 July 2009
Outings are a healthy tonic for men
Playing cricket with mates, a day of fishing, playing table tennis, volleyball, walking
or heading out on the water in a hire boat have proven to be just the medicine for many
men in the Sutherland Shire facing mental health issues.
These activities were the brainchild of a group of clinicians from all disciplines at
Sutherland Hospital’s Mental Health Service, who believed men might be more willing to
discuss health topics away from a hospital environment.
The Men’s Health Group – MATES: Something for Men commenced last year as a pilot program
running over eight fortnightly sessions, and was the result of a meeting of health
professionals who identified eight leading health problems affecting men. These included
depression, diabetes, alcohol and drug abuse.
Team Leader of Sutherland Hospital’s Community Mental Health Team, Karl Symonds, said a
different expert speaker addresses the group on topics such as diabetes, sexual health and
depression and suicide, with presentations conducted in a less structured manner.
Groups are conducted in a variety of settings, such as community gardens.
“It is a well known fact that men are less likely than women to take an interest in,
talk about or identify when they require medical attention. In particular, men with mental
health problems are more reluctant to talk to or visit a GP, and are less likely to identify
the importance of their physical health issues,” Mr Symonds said.
There were knowledge gaps identified in the areas of physical, psychiatric and emotional
well-being for men using Community Mental Health Services. Clinicians identified difficulties
linking male consumers successfully with GP’s or other health services to address these issues.
An evaluation of the Men’s Health Group showed an overall group satisfaction rating of very
high and a comparison of participants’ pre and post knowledge demonstrated significant improvements.
“This increase in knowledge prompted the development of a two-tier group program to provide a
platform for participants to graduate and advance their level of learning.
“Following the pilot program, the Men’s Health Group has proved to be an outstanding success,
with many enquiries into further groups being received by the Community Mental Health Service,”
Mr Symonds said.
Mr Symonds will be presenting The Men’s Healh Group – MATES: Something for Men at the University
of Newcastle’s National Men’s Health Conference in October.
Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776
|
