Orange’s director of Mental Health Services has challenged men to keep active to help fight mental illness.
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And he is putting his money where his mouth is.
Western NSW Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, Jason Crisp, has challenged men in Orange to join him in running a half marathon as part of the Orange Running Festival next March.
“I’ll be training and running until March,” he said.
He said he had not run that distance before but wanted to challenge himself and others to “get off the couch” and be active.
“I [recently] ran 10 kilometres for the first time in 20 years, and it was in Dubbo and it was 34 degrees.
“It will be a major feat when I get [to the finish line].”
Mr Crisp said staying active was a factor in fighting mental health problems.
He is using Movember, the awareness campaign about men’s health, to urge people to help others.
We lose too many men to suicide.
- Jason Crisp, Western NSW Local Health District
“Movember is a great opportunity to talk about mental health and men’s health in general,” he said.
“We lose too many men to suicide.”
He said the highest rates of male suicide was people in the 45-49 year old bracket.
“Too many men are toughing it out and struggling alone,” he said.
Mr Crisp said the most common forms of mental health were depression and anxiety.
“In my opinion the strongest way we can influence it is breaking the stigma. Ask people how they are going,” he said.
“Depression is quite a gradual process, it happens over a period of time.”
He said signs of depression included people dropping out of social activity and being tired due to lack of sleep.
“Depression doesn’t discriminate, it’s anyone and everyone,” he said.
“Suffering in silence is a real concern as well.”
Mr Crisp said services were available to help men with mental health problems.
“The first point of call is usually by phone with our Mental Health Helpline services on 1800 011 511. The best option is always to simply ask a mate how he is going,” he said.
READ MORE: Men’s health on the agenda in Movember push
Mr Crisp has also grown a moustache for Movember with staff challenging him to raise $1000.
Those who donate will get to vote on which colour he will dye it for the first two weeks of December.
- If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the suicide call back service on 1300 659 467.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
