Be a mate, be a lifesaver

Guys, it’s time to rethink what it means to be a man in Aotearoa in the 21st Century.

Mental health issues are real for men but due to a culture of silence and stoicism not a lot of us are talking about it.

In the past “manning up” has meant bottling feelings up and that talking about wellbeing isn’t manly somehow. You know the phrases:

“Harden up.”

“Get over it.”

Well the time has come to redefine the new Kiwi man. He’s a proper mate. He’s a guy that you can go to and talk with when you’re not doing well. He’s potentially a lifesaver.

It’s time to step up and show what modern manliness looks like. It’s about looking out for your mates and creating opportunities to talk about… stuff. Even if you don’t know the answers, simply listening, not shutting it down, sharing your own thoughts – that’s being a man.

It’s about taking something we ask one another every day and meaning it:

“How are you?"

“Nah, how are you? Really?”

Sometimes all it takes is being a good mate by listening and showing that you care. There are other times when being a good mate can involve helping your mate find the help he needs. Fortunately, there’s plenty of great help available - the Canterbury Men's Centre can be a great place to start.

Become a lifesaver this summer because looking out for your mates is manly as.