In some cultures, men are socially encouraged and trained to not to talk openly about what they are feeling and experiencing, seeing any kind of vulnerability as a weakness. This has been the case for the two men who feature in this episode: Crying doesn’t make you soft it makes you human.
Keith Smith is from a rural setting in southern Tasmania. Peter Grumley was raised in regional Queensland. Keith and Peter talk about how they grew up with messages like ‘boys don’t cry’ and ‘toughen up’.
Both men have experienced depression and it was when they were in their 40s and 50s that they began to share their feelings with people they trusted. As members of different men’s groups, Keith and Peter now encourage other men to openly talk about what’s going on in their lives.
This episode contains discussions of difficult subject matter. Please take care while listening. Below are contacts and links to mental health support services (Australia-wide):
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
- Older Persons Mental Health Services – Check with your local health district
- Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 | Support for those caring for older adults
- Head to Health – www.headtohealth.gov.au for finding local mental health services
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