News • 13 Jun 2019

Men’s health week – how Open Minders stay mentally well

Men’s Health Week occurs each June and the awareness week aims to challenge and debate key issues in men’s health and to raise the profile of men, their health outcomes and health needs in Australia.

Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression than those who are active, and 70% of developmental and learning disabilities affect boys.

The top three reasons for reduced lifespan in Men are cardiovascular disease, suicide, and motor vehicle accidents.

So what can we do to stay mentally well? Hear from some of the Open Minders at head office to find out what they do:

Simon Moore, Company Secretary 

“To stay mentally well I like to listen to music from the 70s and 80s, like Phil Collins, Toto, and Van Halen. I also attend Church and I pray regularly. If I’m particularly concerned about something, I talk to friends or call our EAP provider. It’s important to have a good network of friends around you. I also like doing a BBQ, like a good Pork Roast. When I get a bit down I make sure to think about all the good things in my life – my wife, kids, friends and good health. For anyone going through a tough time I recommend seeking help rather than isolating yourself, as you’re not alone.”

Dr Peter Anderson, Acting CEO 

“I think exercise is important for good mental health. I like to exercise regularly, mainly by cycling. I also try to meditate, and listen to music. Finally, I find cooking very therapeutic.”

Derek Ingram, ICT Service Specialist

“I own property so I’m always building things. I also read a lot and have a library in my house with over 1,000 books. I enjoy helping people, I recently helped with landscaping a friend’s house and building his custom kitchen. I sit at a desk a lot of time in my day job so it’s good to get out and about and do stuff. When I build something, I see my progress come together step by step and that gives me a real sense of achievement.”

Norm Oneissy, Open Minds Enquiries Advisor

“I like to watch the footy on a Friday night, I also get on the golf course once per month. I am spiritually engaged and attend church and small study group every week. I enjoy being with my wife and child at the weekends. Keeping fit and active is integral to my wellbeing. I’m enrolled to do a half marathon in September and hope to beat my last time of 2:15min. I’m very fortunate to have a few close friends whom I cherish and enjoy catching up with. I believe the formula for good mental health is to have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to”

Tony Dal Broi, Specialist Support Coordinator 

“I like to exercise and try to get to the gym as much as possible. I also listen to music, see family, go to the beach with friends, go for dinners and drinks, watch a bit of Netflix, and more. I love going away for weekends to unwind.”

Chris Attard, Chief Financial Officer 

“I’m very passionate about hockey. I play Men’s Masters Hockey. I think there are huge advantages to men playing sport for comradery and for mental health, particularly for older men.”

Greg Lysaght, Trainer and Assessor

“If and when I have spare time I spend it with my children watching them play sport like soccer on a Saturday or swimming on a Sunday. This is probably the best part of my week.”

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