Tackling the Challenge: Men's Stories of Resilience and Recovery in South West Sydney

Australian males are at a higher risk of dying by suicide than females, at a rate of three to one, and seven men die each day from suicide. This report contains the findings of a five-year research project conducted in a partnership between Western Sydney University and South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Promotion Team. Commencing as a community-based initiative by a men’s group in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, the project interviewed men with lived experience of mental illness and suicide, documenting and publishing their stories of recovery and resilience on public platforms such as local newspapers, local radio, booklets, websites, YouTube, live launch events (including music performances) and a travelling photographic exhibition at a range of venues across south west Sydney. The stories themselves were analysed thematically to identify protective and risk factors for resilience and recovery from mental health incidents or suicide attempts. Risk factors included social isolation/exclusion, stigma, loneliness and loss. Poor physical health had an impact on mental wellbeing, as did traumatic events, but what was most significant was the cumulative distress experienced as a result of multiple risk factors. Protective factors included an internal drive for change, family support, hearing other men’s stories, community support groups and non-traditional interventions such as yoga, creative arts and nature. The participant storytellers were later interviewed about the impact of sharing their stories on their own mental health and the response of their families and immediate networks. They reported a range of impacts related to personal confidence, connection, and changing the conversation about masculinities. In parallel, community members – after reading, seeing and/or hearing the stories – completed an online survey regarding the impact of the stories on their understanding of men’s mental health and their capacity for supporting the men in their lives. It was clearly demonstrated that people across genders had increased their understanding of men’s mental health, enhanced their capacity for assisting men experiencing mental health issues, and supported the newly generated narratives drawing men towards healthier masculinities.