Tradie Owen encourages men to reach out for support

Owen Dufty is in his third year of an electrical apprenticeship. As a young person working in a male dominated industry, he understands the challenges for men to look after their health – especially their mental health.

IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT IT: This Men’s Health Week, Electrical Apprentice Owen Dufty is encouraging men of all ages to connect with mental health support.

With Men’s Health Week commencing next week (12-18 June)., Owen is encouraging fellow men, young men, and especially tradespeople to connect with mental health supports.

“It’s pretty common for men to not want to get help as they want to be strong and independent and get through stuff on their own,” Owen said.

“Sometimes you feel like you can’t help yourself. In those cases, I would normally talk to my close family; and I feel more confident and eager to keep going.”

Owen is part of Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) new mental health campaign Connect, Your Way, which encourages people to connect to support in a way that suits them.

“I decided to be part of this campaign to help people like me – a young male tradie – to get support, and maybe that’s not clinical help, maybe it’s talking to your family, friends, loved ones, or maybe it’s taking some time out to do something you love. Whatever it is, it’s okay to talk about it – many of us have had some experience of mental health challenges.”

MPHN’s CEO Melissa Neal said Men’s Health Week was an opportunity to highlight the importance of physical, mental and emotional health in men and boys around the Murrumbidgee region.

“It’s about building healthy environments for men and boys by focusing on creating and maintaining physically, mentally and emotionally healthy surroundings in our homes, workplaces and social settings,” Ms Neal said.

“We know males in the Murrumbidgee consume alcohol at harmful levels compared with the NSW and national rate. We also have higher prevalence of deaths by suicide in males, and higher rates of overweight and obesity in males, especially in young males.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in removing the stigma of men seeking professional help and make it a normal part of our everyday conversations. I would also like to sincerely thank Owen for bravely sharing his story as part of our Connect, Your Way campaign.”

For more information or to connect with mental health support, visit mphn.org.au/connect

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call Murrumbidgee Accessline on 1800 011 511; Lifeline for general support on 13 11 14; or 000 in an emergency.