The power of a good support network
- Men and emotions
- Mental wellbeing for men
- Positive mental health advice in Star Wars
- Emotional wellbeing – how to stay on top!
- Men’s mental health – common challenges
- Active listening
- Breaking old habits and starting new habits
- Why is change so hard?
- The power of gratitude
- Self-care toolkit
- Seeking help for men – overcome the barriers!
- What is mindfulness?
- Resolving Conflict
- The power of a good support network
- Reconnecting with friends
- Social connections - past, present and future
- How family, friends and carers can help men
- Cycling – the exercise for positive mental health
- Improving physical health can help your mental health
- Drinking responsibly
- Adjusting to retirement
- Self-care in difficult work roles
- The mental health effects of service
- Talking suicide
- Why do I want to end my life?
- Helping yourself when feeling suicidal
- Helping a mate who is suicidal
- Making a safety plan
A support network describes ‘your team’ – the people who share your life that you can turn to for encouragement, support and personal growth.
Having a good support network is a vital tool in maintaining your mental health and wellbeing. As social creatures, our relationships and connections are a basic and core need, behind only physical and safety needs in importance. Support networks can take many forms, but for most people it is family, friends and colleagues that make up your network and offer support during the good and bad times.
The value of a good support network
Opening up to someone who cares can make us feel much better. It’s important to reach out so that people are aware of what you’re dealing with. Often we assume that people know what’s happening in our lives, but until you reach out it’s difficult for them to identify what you’re going through, or how much you need them. After all, if someone you know was struggling and needed support, wouldn’t you want to know and help them?
Many mental health challenges like depression, anxiety and stress can make us feel isolated, like we’re invisible and that people don’t care. Reaching out will often show you that the opposite is true. You may find that they have experienced similar issues and can offer relevant advice.
Opening up to someone and sharing your thoughts and feelings can also help to strengthen your relationship with them. It adds to the intimacy of your relationship and can help them understand you better. Sharing your thoughts also helps your supports become more aware of your signs, allowing them to pick up these signals in future and offer more timely support.
There is also the secondary benefit of you taking the chance to open up – it can help educate people about what mental health challenges look like and help them understand that it is more common than we think, reducing the stigma. Who knows, your simple act of sharing your thoughts may even help others do the same in future!
Building your network
Having different perspectives is an important reason for having a support network, as it allows you to see issues from different points of view. Therefore, its useful to have a mix of different people in your network, who can bring different life perspectives, giving us a more complete picture of the situation. Having several ‘go-to’ people also ensures you do not over-rely on your supports and exhaust them.
Support networks act as the first port of call when there are big events in our lives, but many of us will find a time when our existing support network cannot meet our needs. Starting a new career path, becoming a parent, or having relationship difficulties may be times when you want new people to talk to and need to add to your support network.
To build your network, first recognise the supports that you already have and the strengths they may bring to various situations. Then you can begin to identify where the gaps might lie and look for new contacts.
Family
Consider people in your family who you ‘click’ with and are willing to offer time and advice who may be a source of support.
Friends
Friends can be a great source of support as they often know you well from shared experiences – try opening up to some friends you haven’t considered as a good support before. You might be surprised at what and who you find.
Workmates
Workmates can be a great source of help about issues within and outside of work, and a good HR manager can also be of great support with decisions about your career path.
Neighbours, casual acquaintances and friends of friends
Build connections with people you see often in your life such as neighbours and people in your extended social network for potential opportunities.
Social media, forums and groups
There are hundreds of groups and websites out there that offer support to people from all walks and life and interests – Blokes vs Black Dog and Men Care Too are some we have found to be helpful for men in particular. No matter what you seek, there is sure to be an existing group, community or forum you can join.
Local community
Joining clubs, sports groups or supporting local charities are all ways to become part of a new community, meet new people and make new connections that share your interests.
Remember that support networks work both ways – make sure you do your part and help others when they are in need. Keep in touch with your network on a regular basis and show genuine interest in their lives. Putting in a little time and effort will pay off in the long run – you never know when you may need to reach out.
If you need someone to talk to, MensLine Australia professional counsellors are here to provide information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call us on 1300 78 99 78 or register for online counselling.
You may also like
14 quotes about manhood that still work!
Many of the famed quotes about manhood would be considered unhealthy now, but there’s still some gems out there. Here are just some of our faves.
Learn MoreActive listening
Listening is an important part of effective communication. We have conversations throughout the day, but sometimes we’re not listening as well as we could.
Learn MoreAdjusting to retirement
Retirement can be an exciting time in your life, finally having the freedom to pursue your interests, travel, or to simply slow down and enjoy life. However, for some men retirement can be challenging. Here, MensLine Australia explores the issues associated with retirement including the loss of a regular daily work routine and associated sense of purpose.
Learn MoreBenefits of Volunteering
Many people who volunteer know the great feeling associated with helping others, but what people may not know are the proven benefits on overall health and happiness. Volunteering offers countless social, mental and physical health benefits. Here we outline some of the profound impacts of volunteering.
Learn MoreBreaking old habits and starting new habits
Trying to break old habits and start new ones is never easy. To help you along your journey, we’ve compiled some advice to make those new habits stick.
Learn MoreCelebrities leading the charge on men's mental health awareness
More people are changing attitudes to men’s mental health & we have some prominent celebrities to thank. Here’s some of the guys raising their voice.
Learn MoreCycling – the exercise for positive mental health
While virtually all exercise is beneficial for general, ‘whole body’ health, cycling is especially great for positive mental health.
Learn MoreDrinking responsibly
Excessive drinking can not only harm your health but also damage relationships you care about. Here MensLine Australia looks at the recommended drinking guidelines, how drinking too much can have a negative impact on those around you, and the steps you can take today to minimise alcohol consumption.
Learn MoreEmotional wellbeing – how to stay on top!
Despite terms like ‘wellbeing’ and ‘wellness’ getting a lot of attention nowadays, its not a fad – looking out for your emotional wellbeing is vital. Luckily there’s lots of ways to pursue it and they’re easy to do!
Learn MoreGreat songs about friendship and mates
Having good people around you is one of the best ways to protect your mental health. Here’s 10 of our fave songs celebrating friendship and mates.
Learn MoreGrow a mo, save a bro
Started in Australia in 2003, the Movember foundation has grown to fund more than 1,200 men’s health initiatives across 21 countries. Movember has a simple goal – to stop men dying young.
Learn MoreHelp a mate and reduce suicide
Suicide is a major issue in our society. In Australia, it takes more than twice the lives of the road toll, but the truth is we all have the power to do something about it.
Learn MoreHelping a mate who is suicidal
It can be hard for some men to express their feelings. They may be embarrassed or worried they’ll be seen as weak. Here MensLine Australia explores ways you can help a mate who may be experiencing feelings of suicide.
Learn MoreHelping yourself when feeling suicidal
Feeling as though your life is out of control, and that it will never get better is a common feeling. Here MensLine Australia discusses ways in which you can help yourself through this difficult time.
Learn MoreHow destructive coping mechanisms can worsen mental health issues
It’s a tragedy that the chosen coping mechanisms for so many blokes are the ones that cause the most damage to mental health.
Learn MoreHow does free counselling over the phone work?
MensLine Australia is an easy way to access professional mental health care. It doesn’t cost you anything (other than a local phone call) and you don’t need a healthcare card. You don’t even need a referral.
Learn MoreHow family, friends and carers can help men
As a family member, friend or carer, you are one of the primary sources of support, advice and therapy for someone who is experiencing emotional difficulty or mental ill health. Here’s how you can help men dealing with mental ill health and emotional issues.
Learn MoreHow to promote mental health at your work site
The suicide rate among young tradesmen is more than twice that of other men. Why isn’t mental health at work talked about more often?
Learn MoreImproving physical health can help your mental health
We all know that regular exercise is good for the body. Playing a sport, jogging, cycling or even just walking to work all have physical benefits. Now, there’s even further reason to get fit, with studies suggesting that regular exercise is also good for your mind!
Learn MoreMaking a safety plan
A safety plan helps to get you through the tough moments when experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings. Here MensLine Australia outlines the prompts required to help you work through the steps of your personal safety plan until you feel safe.
Learn MoreMale stereotypes and the ‘Man Box’
We are all constantly bombarded with gender stereotypes, but a new study sheds light on the shifting attitudes of young men in the face of negative messaging about manhood.
Learn MoreMen and emotions
Our emotional state often dictates how we behave. Men often feel they need to be self-reliant and provide for their loved ones, so it is not appropriate to express their emotions. Here MensLine Australia challenges that notion offering advice on how you can talk about your emotions openly and freely.
Learn MoreMental Fitness
Preventative action is a vital part of looking after your mental health. Here’s some tips on establishing a ‘mental fitness’ routine.
Learn MoreMental health week
This Sunday is World Mental Health Day and the start of Mental Health Week in Australia. The theme this year is Do You See What I See? It’s a campaign that challenges some of the stereotypes and perceptions of mental illness.
Learn MoreMental wellbeing for men
Mental health issues are more difficult to acknowledge and address than physical ailments, but the symptoms and the impact on our lives can be just as real. Here MensLine Australia discusses the steps you can take today to realise mental wellbeing.
Learn MoreMen’s mental health – common challenges
Due to a number of factors , some men’s mental health issues have gone unrecognised for a long time. Many men are still not aware of some of the most common indicators that there’s a problem. So how can you tell if you have an issue that you should consider seeking help with?
Learn MorePositive mental health advice in Star Wars
The Star Wars series of movies are jam-packed with positive mental health advice. Here we take a look at some of our favourite quotes from these movies.
Learn MoreReconnecting with friends
Never have we been more connected to everyone around us. Advances in technology have launched multiple social media platforms allowing us to be no more than just a few clicks away from connecting to someone, or anyone for that matter! Then why is it we’ve never felt more alone?
Learn MoreResolving Conflict
Conflict will happen from time to time in your life, but if you deal with it properly, it doesn’t have to be destructive. Here, MensLine Australia looks at the signs of damaging conflict and what you can do.
Learn MoreRU OK? Day
RU OK? Day is a chance to start a conversation with a mate who is struggling to cope.
Learn MoreSeeking help for men – overcome the barriers!
MensLine Australia recently sat down with Leon, a social worker with almost 30 years’ experience, to get his perspective of the challenges of seeking help for men.
Learn MoreSelf-care in difficult work roles
Many of us deal with difficult situations at work that can have an impact on our mental health. When our job or volunteer work forces us to deal with especially challenging scenarios, its vital to practice good self-care.
Learn MoreSelf-care toolkit
These MensLine Australia worksheets are designed to assist you in developing your personal skills to better manage your anger.
Learn MoreSocial connections - past, present and future
We often talk about the power of connections and support networks, as having a strong circle of people around you is one of the single most beneficial ways to maintain your mental health. Here’s how you can grow social connections from the past, present and future!
Learn MoreTake care of you and your mates (don’t party too hard on NYE)
The easiest way to ruin a great night is to lose your mate, or get into trouble! So this year, consider the things you can do to have a good night & take care of your mates. Follow our five tips on how to have a great New Years Eve.
Learn MoreTalking suicide
Talking to someone about your suicidal feelings can be very difficult. Here MensLine Australia provides options on who you can talk to and what to say.
Learn MoreThe mental health effects of service
Serving your country is one of the toughest jobs around. For some veterans, ongoing mental health issues means the conflict continues beyond the battlefield.
Learn MoreThe power of gratitude
Gratitude for all that we have in life —as opposed to what we want or think we need, is one of the keys to true happiness.
Learn MoreTop Topics of 2017
It’s almost time to wrap up 2017, which is a great opportunity to recap some of the common reasons people visited MensLine Australia throughout the year.
Learn MoreTypes of decision making
Sometimes we can decide on a course of action because we have some degree of control. At other times, the circumstances are out of our control. Understanding this is key to making better decisions.
Learn MoreWhat are the symptoms of a panic attack?
A panic attack is an occurrence of strong anxiety and fear (and accompanying physical reactions) that seems to happen without an obvious cause. Panic attacks are a result of our ‘fight or flight’ instinct engaging, without the threat of immediate physical danger being present.
Learn MoreWhat is mindfulness?
Mindfulness seems to generate a lot of hype nowadays, but what’s it all about? Mindfulness means ‘being present’ and giving your full attention to the moment we’re in.
Learn MoreWhat is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterised by a repetitive cycle of obsessions (or perceived threats) and compulsions; which are behaviours intended to soothe the distress that accompanies the obsessions. Understand the obsessions, compulsions and how it is treated.
Learn MoreWhy do I want to end my life?
There are many reasons why people think about ending their lives. Here MensLine Australia looks at some of the common experiences that can lead to people feeling this way, and the support options that are available.
Learn MoreWhy is change so hard?
A new year, a new start… how many times have we said that over the years? At the start of each year, many of us make new year resolutions, and many of us fail to keep them. So why is change so hard?
Learn MoreWhy it’s important to change how we talk about men’s mental health
The rate of mental health disorders between men and women is about the same, yet fewer men access professional help or a service. Men are also more likely to die from destructive coping mechanisms like suicide, drugs and alcohol. Why is that? And can changing the way we talk about men’s mental health make a difference?
Learn MoreWhy it’s important to reach out to a mate
Friendship Day isn’t well known in Australia but it’s a great reminder to reach out to a mate.
Learn MoreGet Help
If you are having relationship
or family problems you can
call or chat to us now.