CATCHING up with mates and going fishing could be more important than we realise.
In recent decades a lot has been written and highlighted about men’s health and particularly our mental health. Those two factors are completely different and we need to understand that. You can be a health fanatic and appear as fit as a fiddle while struggling with mental illness or depression. We can also be mentally stable and well-adjusted to everyday life while suffering serious health issues. Over the past few years I’ve witnessed, several times, the devastation of losing a loved one or mate to depression and mental illness.
Most of us know that engaging in some form of regular exercise and eating healthy is a major factor in our well-being. As I’ve gotten older I’ve discovered that there are many things I can’t and shouldn’t do that were fine when I was thirty years younger. I’ve had to adjust my lifestyle accordingly. I eat regular and healthy meals that are smaller than I used to. I’ve never been a big drinker but I limit my intake to just a few wines or beers with dinner each night. I drink a lot more water and I walk for 30 to 45 minutes most days with my dog. I make sure I get a good night’s sleep and don’t take as many risks as I used to.
I have regular check-ups for prostate, skin and bowel cancer as well as cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure, etc. In my early 60s I’d like to think that I’m reasonably healthy and lead a vital lifestyle. Eating healthy and getting some exercise is key as you get older. So are the regular check-ups. Being healthy eliminates many things that you don’t have to worry about.
Common causes of death change and vary as we get older. Heart disease and lung cancer start to kick in once you reach 60 years of age and over. From 80 years of age, dementia becomes the number one cause of death in Australia. Believe it or not, the number one killer of Aussie males in the 15 – 44 year age bracket is suicide, followed by car accidents. Statistics show that most people have lost a friend, mate, partner, family member or acquaintance to suicide. I’ve lost several and my children have lost quite a few friends who took their own lives.
Years ago, mental illness and suicide were taboo subjects and rarely spoken about. People who suffered from mental illness had limited options and help but these days it is at the forefront because it is so prolific. There are many factors that contribute to mental illness and it can be easily hidden or ignored by sufferers. It takes a brave person to put their hand up and ask for help but it is often a life-saving decision.
I firmly believe that fishing, and most outdoor activities are good for your mental health. I’ve been lucky to have never suffered from depression and anxiety but having said that I do have the odd down day where I’m not my positive and motivated self. I feel a bit out of sorts on the odd occasion but a cup of good coffee, some quiet time and a good think about how lucky I am, sorts that out within ten minutes. Another good cure is getting out on the water and catching a decent fish. That really brings out a feel of self-worth in me every time. If only curing mental illness was that simple.
Unfortunately, many men reach a stage where all hope seems lost and the Black Dog takes over with dark thoughts. The signs are there but sufferers are usually scared to ask for help or speak up. If you know anyone who shows signs of depression or mental illness ask them if they are OK. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to and let their feelings be known. It may just be a temporary setback in life or a personal problem that’s been blown out of proportion that can be fixed with time. If it’s more serious than that they must get professional help from the many organisations out there.
There is no stigma in admitting to mental health issues. Depression can be brought on for any number of reasons and these days with the diverse and complicated lifestyles we live it is prominent. It can be work related, relationship breakdowns, PTSD, custody of children, perceived pressure, anxiety or just plain depression where life just doesn’t seem worth living and all hope is lost. With much of our country in Covid lockdowns in the second half of 2021 mental illness increased substantially.
I can’t image how terrifying it would be getting to the point of contemplating suicide. Beating it can be a simple matter of talking to a counsellor, seeing your doctor and getting medication or obtaining serious psychological help. No matter how bad it is, there is always a fix and a way back to leading a normal, fulfilling life.
I must admit to going a bit stir crazy when I haven’t been able to fish for a few weeks. You can only play with fishing gear and watch fishing DVDs for so long without actually being out on the water. Being out on the water can have great medicinal value. Catching a few fish with good mates is even better. That can be difficult when you struggle to get out of bed and face the world each morning due to depression and mental illness but pushing through and doing it always makes you feel better.
If you know someone who is doing it tough please do not turn away because you feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to say. Think about and try to understand how they feel and be there to help and support them. The initial conversation will be difficult but as you both open up, you’ll start to see that talking is making a difference. I’ve done this quite a few times in the past decade and I’m sure I’ve helped several mates get through dark times and beat the Black Dog.
