Sunday, April 15, 2007

GUY'S TIP: Mind Your Mates.


It’s a guy thing to sledge the batsman as he steps up to the crease or to give the opposition a bit of body so they feel the pressure. Anything to out psych the other team! But when it comes to mental stamina off the field, guys just might not be as head-strong as we think.
Depression is one of the biggest health issues for males and often can go unrecognised. It is a risk factor for suicide and suicide rates in males are four times higher than in females. Depression is a real illness that requires attention and is treatable. If left untreated, depression can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
Being a bloke normally means that you may put off getting professional help for health related problems as after all you guys are suppose to be tough, self-reliant, be able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for you to acknowledge that you may need professional help, and instead may turn to drugs and alcohol to take away the pain.
As guys tend not to talk about their problems to the extent of females, how can you tell if one of your mates is suffering from depression? Take note of changes in their behaviour, thoughts and feelings. You may have noticed your mate beginning to talk negatively, neglect responsibilities, start to withdraw from you, show anger and aggression, or start to possess low self-esteem. Your mate may also show physical symptoms of depression such as significant weight change, loss of appetite, feeling tired all the time or complaining of headaches or back pain. If you start to notice these changes in your mates, why not show them the same support that you show them on the field. For more information about depression and anxiety-related disorders visit
www.beyondblue.org.au.

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