Depression and anxiety affect many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men at times, for a whole range of reasons.
These could relate to living situations such as housing, money and employment and compound the generations of trauma, grief and loss First Nations Peoples have experienced. Sometimes, men don’t know how to describe what they are experiencing. Often they don’t want to be around family and friends.
“You withdraw within yourself and reflect on some negative thoughts or some thoughts that bring about sadness or melancholy and it’s hard to fight those feelings of sadness. … unless I did something about that it was going to cause more problems.” – Beyond Blue research respondent.
There are many ways to find help and healing, including:
- yarning with family and friends
- talking with your local doctor or health worker or healer
- talking kindly to yourself
- avoiding alcohol and drugs
- connecting with country, community and culture.
Download more tips for keeping strong.
Suicide is a very complex behaviour with many contributing factors. Untreated depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Suicide rates for First Nations Peoples are approximately twice those of non-Indigenous Australians. Beyond Blue is working in partnership to develop a range of research, information, education and support strategies with First Nations Peoples communities and organisations.
Find out more