As we head towards Christmas and the end of a year that none of us will ever forget, for many people the mindset is changing into one of positivity and looking forward to the start of a brave new world.
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For others though, having endured such a tough year, when thoughts turn to the Christmas season, there is little to look forward too.
Broken families and limited cash flow mean that for many, Christmas can be the most stressful time of the year.
The worst global health pandemic of our lifetime has morphed into a mental health challenge we have never seen the likes of either.
Mental health challenges affect us all; man, woman or child; rich or poor; old or young. We all have our own battles.
But sadly for men, it's often hard to admit we are having issues.
Talking about issues was seen as a sign of weakness.
Happily, now it is becoming known as a sign of strength and men are realising that discussing our issues is not only good for us, it's great for our families and friends.
We are incredibly lucky in the Illawarra region that we have a group of wonderful young men working together to promote mental health initiatives and support each other during these tough times.
These forums encourage social interaction, develop friendships and provide support in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
You share as much or as little as you want, the only commitment is that you are there to support each other.
The Man Walk
The Man Walk started when a successful Kiama physiotherapist, Mark Burns, decided he would get more out of his day by getting up at 5am and going for a stroll around Kiama Harbour.
Within a week, two of his mates had joined him and the Man Walk was born.
Two years later, 75 Man Walk groups meet weekly around the country.
I had a coffee with Mark recently and talked about the Man Walk and his vision for what success looked like.
After we finished we popped into a chemist and he was wearing his Man Walk shirt.
The young girl behind the counter asked where he did the Man Walk and I explained that Mark started the concept in Kiama.
The girl then shared her experience of the Man Walk, how her boyfriend had been having some challenges and was invited along to a local walk and how it had completely changed his mind set and their lives.
She could not have been more thankful and I could not have been more proud to have been part of Mark hearing firsthand how the Man Walk had made such a difference in one young couple's life.
Sounded like the true definition of success to me.
Barstool Brothers
A very similar environment at a more sleep friendly time, Bar Stool Brothers was born over a few beers and yarns at His Boy Elroy.
It has grown from a monthly catch-up with mates to a 600-person-strong men's mental wellness community.
From morning walks, bowling nights to family-friendly BBQ's, the purpose of the community is to foster authentic connections through relaxed events in different environments.
Barstool Brothers isn't about members having forced conversations about their feelings. It's about mates being there to listen through non-judgemental ears if someone wants to talk.
Recently, Barstool Brothers announced a partnership with recognised men's mental health training organisation, Mental Health Movement, led by former St George Illawarra enforcer Dan Hunt.
The aim is to provide members with the right tools to have those more difficult conversations and recognise when support is needed.
Two wonderful local indicatives, led by young men taking time out of their own busy lives to support other men.
Whether you are a doctor, a tradie, unemployed, a suit or a politician, all of our mental health challenges are real.
Whether you are a doctor, a tradie, unemployed, a suit or a politician, all of our mental health challenges are real.
If you feel as though you might benefit from a chat with some like-minded friends as we head towards the Christmas season, the contact details for both groups are below. I know they would love to welcome you into their networks.
The Man Walk, Kiama meets at Short Black Café, Kiama at 6am on Monday and Friday. Check out themanwalk.com.au for other walks in the region.
Barstool Brothers meet weekly at a range of different events. Check our Bar Stool Brothers on Facebook for more information.
Mark Sleigh is general manager of Destination Wollongong.
