‘Every man wants to be heard’: Home and Away star Cameron Daddo is urging Aussie blokes to look after their mental health
He’s one of Australia’s acting legends. Now, Cameron Daddo has a message for Aussie blokes doing it tough during COVID-19, with the launch of his new mental health charity.
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For TV personality Cameron Daddo, it’s never been more important for men to start taking better care of themselves.
Having struggled with his own demons, the Smooth FM radio host has opened up about the importance of seeking help, admitting he leant on some male friends to get on top of his mental health issues.
“I sent out an invite to a few school dads and before you know it, I was organising a meeting in my garage in front of 23 men who were willing to listen and share their experiences,” Daddo says.
A spark of an idea has since become a national movement called My Men’s Team, aimed at encouraging men of all ages to form their own online teams with the right tools to counter depression and improve their mental health.
“Most guys are worried about their jobs, some feel isolated and unable to provide for their families because of COVID-19 – and they don’t want to talk about it,” says Daddo, who hosts an evening radio program on Smooth FM and also joined the cast of long-running soap Home and Away.
“My Men’s Team allows men to get things off their chest and listen to other guys probably going through similar problems.
“It really helps and it’s going to become more necessary over the next year.”
The website has recently become a registered charity to allow the group to raise funds and create events on a larger scale.
“Every man wants to be heard, and the better we are at listening and communicating, the better we’ll be both emotionally and mentally,” Daddo says.
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When it comes to looking after their mental health, people are losing their sense of control, brought about by the pandemic that has lead to uncertainty, financial distress and job loss.
Movember research found that over half of Australian men are reluctant to talk about their feelings for fear of being seen as less masculine. And two in five have avoided talking about their problems because they don’t want to appear less of a man.
Across the country, thousands of people with psychological distress have had to adjust at home, either with or without their families depending on their individual circumstances.
“Australians are under a significant amount of stress and uncertainty right now,” psychologist Jemma Doley says.
“Sharing your experiences with others can help you to access support.”
Other movements such as The Australian Men’s Shed Association have launched an online podcast called The Shed Wireless hosted by broadcaster Aaron Kearney OAM, after the organisation was forced to close many of their Men’s Sheds for a number of months due to COVID-19.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you need help with depression, see Beyond Blue or visit mymensteam.org