New TV series aims to raise awareness of male suicide in Australia
Did you know six men take their own lives in our country a day? That’s 2,200 every year.
A new three-part documentary series is shining a light on this sobering statistic with the goal of getting men to open up and talk about their feelings – and be able to ask for help when they need it.
Screening on the ABC, ‘Man Up’ is hosted by radio personality Gus Worland, who has his own personal story to share with viewers.
Nine years ago, his best friend took his own life at the age of 53.
“He was a hero to me. This awesome, untouchable, always positive guy. The kind of guy you went to for answers,” he says.
Making a difference
The show follows Worland as he meets mental health experts, community groups, men who have struggled with mental illness and suicide and the devastated families who have lost a loved one.
In one scene, Worland visits a Lifeline call centre, where he witnesses a counsellor talking to someone who has taken an overdose and falls off the line, an experience that led him to train as a Lifeline counsellor himself.
Supported by the Movember Foundation, the show’s media campaign at manup.org.au is also the subject of study by the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne.
The next episode screens on Tuesday October 18 at 8.30 pm on the ABC and iview.
Find out more about Man Up here.
Sign up to support Movember here.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are services available:
Lifeline 13 11 44
MensLine 1300 789 978
Beyondblue 1300 224 636