Men from Goldfields-Esperance region open up about biggest struggles
A common saying associated with living in a small town is 'everyone knows everything about everyone' — but that's not always the case.
Twenty-eight men from the Goldfields-Esperance region have opened up about their biggest struggles when it comes to their mental and physical health, with many responses revealing most of them choose to keep their issues to themselves.
This week, to acknowledge and raise awareness for Men's Health Week, the Kalgoorlie Miner invited men from the region to participate in an anonymous survey aiming to find out about their mental and physical health issues.
The Miner also spoke to Kalgoorlie-Boulder clinical psychologist Christina Petz, who believes men often struggle more with mental health issues as they are less likely to speak about their feelings compared to women.
'I think that's the big difference between women and men, which is women will generally access something or look for help, while men are less likely to reach out for help,' she said.
'Men just put on a brave face and try to get through it by themselves.'
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 75 per cent of people who have ended their lives are men, while 83 per cent of those had displayed risk factors associated with poor physical and mental health.
From the survey by the Kalgoorlie Miner, 85 per cent of the participants aged 16 to 68 admitted to experiencing a physical or mental health issue.
Some 64 per cent of the men said they had dealt with a physical health issue, while more than half admitted to having a mental health issue.
And 46 per cent of participants said they had even suffered from both.
The most prevalent mental health issues the regional men reported to having were depression and anxiety, while their most common physical health issues involved problems with their weight and having an addiction, including alcohol and substance abuse.
One 30-year-old anonymous participant admitted to having issues with addiction as a result of other issues he had faced and said it took him a long time until he asked for help.
'It took me many years to speak to a professional and learn how to identify when I was spiralling and to try speak to someone, as opposed to numbing it with substances,' he said.
A 19-year-old participant also reported having an addiction as well as weight problems and mental health issues, and said he avoided seeking help because he was afraid of confronting his addiction.
'I avoided seeking medical advice because I felt like I never had enough time due to work and when I did have time, I felt uncomfortable going because it's hard to admit that I have an addiction that I shouldn't have at my age,' he said.
Ms Petz said she believed there was a 'gender bias' which held lots of men back from seeking help.
'I think there's a gender bias that we have in society that men are strong and women are weak,' she said.
'We're taught as children that boys don't cry but it's acceptable for girls to.'
Many of the men who participated in the survey admitted to avoiding professional help because of their beliefs about how men needed to act according to the world.
'As a male, your mental health issues are your issues that you deal with so it can't be used against you,' one said.
Another said: 'I did avoid help because I felt weak asking for it'.
'I feel like if I can't help myself then no one can,' another said.
Ms Petz said there were many online resources for men suffering from mental health issues who felt 'vulnerable' seeking face-to-face help and recommended the Medicare Mental Health webpage.
A 37-year-old man from Kalgoorlie-Boulder who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks shared his story in the Kalgoorlie Miner's anonymous survey about how online resources helped him shake his attacks.
'At my worst I didn't sleep for three days straight as every time I tried to, I would wake up five minutes later in the middle of an attack,' he said.
'I lost 10kg within a month and I never wanted to or took medication for anxiety — instead, I learnt about what internal behaviours, thought patterns and beliefs caused my anxiety and panic attacks.'
The man said Panic Free TV on Youtube helped him stop his panic attacks within weeks, while AnxietyCentre.com helped him to understand why he felt a certain way and how to deal with his emotions.
'I haven't had a panic attack in six years,' he said.
'It all starts with the correct information being available and people recognising the symptoms.'
Another participant said he thought if it was not for seeking professional help and talking through his struggles with his loved ones, he would probably no longer be alive.
'I learnt from my previous battle with mental health issues to identify when I was going downhill and to brace myself with a strong support network of friends, family and professionals,' he said.
'I make my support network aware in the early days instead of holding it in and we have been able to keep me from spiralling.
'I learnt to do this through one of my therapists and it has been extremely helpful.
'It's probably kept me alive.'
A 41-year-old survey participant from the region also shared his experience of being diagnosed with sepsis and other physical health issues and how he overcame the worst of it.
The man said he was in an induced coma for several months, losing lots of weight, and was then refused back into his work after he recovered.
He said he was 'losing his mind' until he found help.
'I spoke with an actual psychologist, Frank at Regional Counselling Services, and it made me realise I wasn't anxious, depressed or losing my mind — I was bored and wanted to be active,' he said.
'I took up some hobbies to keep my hands and mind busy, but I couldn't have done it without the support from my partner, my kids and my friends.'
Ms Petz said taking up hobbies and incorporating healthy habits into daily routines was vital for living a healthy life, both mentally and physically.
She recommends people struggling should get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise, connect with others, learn to manage stress, do breathing and reflecting exercises.
Ms Petz also said she believed it was important for men to identify when they were struggling, as many regional men, specifically those in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, often grappled with demanding work hours.
A 44-year-old father of two from the region admitted to feeling burnt out by his long work hours.
'When I was younger, working long swings of two weeks or more was not too much of a problem, but now that I have two young kids and I'm in my 40s, the long swings have started to take its toll on my physical and mental health,' he said.
'I miss important family events when I'm at work and when I'm home, I'm constantly struggling with fatigue which affects my ability to be a good dad and husband.
'Drinking alcohol and comfort eating are ways I self-manage my fatigue and anxiety, which is affecting my physical health.'
The man said after he realised his job had affected his life, he took action to improve it.
'I am currently talking to a counsellor about managing my anxiety and stress and have considered a change of careers,' he said.
'I also find going to the gym a good way to feel more positive and less stressed.'
Ms Petz recommended men who might be struggling with their careers to take time off when they need or reduce their work hours if their work-to-life balance was becoming unmanageable.
She also insisted men reduce any unhealthy coping mechanisms they might have, such as consuming alcohol, saying most of the time physical and mental health issues were linked.
'If you improve one of them — your mental health or your physical health — both of them are going to improve,' she said.
She believes there's still a 'long way to go' for men's health to improve but is hopeful with the right knowledge and awareness, more men will feel confident facing and overcoming their challenges.
Men's Health Week is from June 9 to 15 and encourages people to check in with their mates and to not feel ashamed asking for help.
This year's theme is Men's Health Checks, emphasising the importance of addressing health challenges and booking regular health checks.
The number for the online men's counselling service MensLine Australia is 1300 789 978, while the number for the crisis support helpline Lifeline WA is 13 11 14.
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Maddie McAuliffe was just trying to keep up with school work and deal with puberty when she began caring for both her mum and brother in earnest. Her older brother by two years had ongoing mental health problems combined with a hereditary joint and muscle condition, while her mother began battling type 2 diabetes and liver disease. She was 14, living in a single parent household in regional Victoria, and unaware of where to turn for help. "Looking back on it now, I don't know how I survived it," Ms McAuliffe, now 25, said. "A lot of it was teachers, schools [not] understanding or being a little bit more nicer about things and not just judgmental, or putting it down to that everything's behavioral." Ms McAuliffe's experience is not uncommon. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the number of carers aged 25 and under increased by 156,000 to 391,300 over the four years to 2022. And that caring, while sometimes rewarding, takes a toll. 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This is something the young woman sees continuing in her future. "Probably still living with Mum and still working, still taking care of her for as long as she needs it," she said. Maddie McAuliffe was just trying to keep up with school work and deal with puberty when she began caring for both her mum and brother in earnest. Her older brother by two years had ongoing mental health problems combined with a hereditary joint and muscle condition, while her mother began battling type 2 diabetes and liver disease. She was 14, living in a single parent household in regional Victoria, and unaware of where to turn for help. "Looking back on it now, I don't know how I survived it," Ms McAuliffe, now 25, said. "A lot of it was teachers, schools [not] understanding or being a little bit more nicer about things and not just judgmental, or putting it down to that everything's behavioral." Ms McAuliffe's experience is not uncommon. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the number of carers aged 25 and under increased by 156,000 to 391,300 over the four years to 2022. And that caring, while sometimes rewarding, takes a toll. Carers aged 14 to 15 were more likely to fall behind at school and struggle financially, new research drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children has found. Boys who cared for someone in their home for at least five hours a week were one and a half years behind their peers with no caring responsibilities in year 9 NAPLAN reading results and almost the same in numeracy. For girls in a similar boat, they were nearly 10 months behind in reading, according to the Young carers: impacts of caring on children's learning and wellbeing report. The study, released on June 19, also found teenage carers were more likely to live in a jobless, lower income household with parents relying on government assistance and more likely to experience financial hardship. 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In between grocery shopping and medical appointments she finished year 12 and went on to get TAFE qualifications as a teacher's aide and in early childhood education - and now works at a before and after school care service. But there were many days when she spent school class time drawing because she lacked the energy for anything else. "Other days I was able to focus and get the school work done and it was just exhausting," Ms McAuliffe said. Since then her mother has been through a life-threatening health scare which involved trips back and forth to Melbourne. "All the experts are down in Melbourne so, unless you've got private health insurance or can access privately, you don't get that opportunity in your own home or in your own city," she said. With help from organisations like Little Dreamers, which supports young people caring for family members, Ms McAuliffe is doing her best to look after her mum with cooking, cleaning and "reminding her to sit down" when she gets tired. This is something the young woman sees continuing in her future. "Probably still living with Mum and still working, still taking care of her for as long as she needs it," she said. Maddie McAuliffe was just trying to keep up with school work and deal with puberty when she began caring for both her mum and brother in earnest. Her older brother by two years had ongoing mental health problems combined with a hereditary joint and muscle condition, while her mother began battling type 2 diabetes and liver disease. She was 14, living in a single parent household in regional Victoria, and unaware of where to turn for help. "Looking back on it now, I don't know how I survived it," Ms McAuliffe, now 25, said. "A lot of it was teachers, schools [not] understanding or being a little bit more nicer about things and not just judgmental, or putting it down to that everything's behavioral." Ms McAuliffe's experience is not uncommon. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the number of carers aged 25 and under increased by 156,000 to 391,300 over the four years to 2022. And that caring, while sometimes rewarding, takes a toll. Carers aged 14 to 15 were more likely to fall behind at school and struggle financially, new research drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children has found. Boys who cared for someone in their home for at least five hours a week were one and a half years behind their peers with no caring responsibilities in year 9 NAPLAN reading results and almost the same in numeracy. For girls in a similar boat, they were nearly 10 months behind in reading, according to the Young carers: impacts of caring on children's learning and wellbeing report. The study, released on June 19, also found teenage carers were more likely to live in a jobless, lower income household with parents relying on government assistance and more likely to experience financial hardship. 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By Nick Hall - News Published: 17 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 7 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. We've heard the statistics, we know the consequences, and yet the depression epidemic crippling Australian men remains as consistent as ever. New data from the University of Newcastle has revealed that while depression remains one of the country's leading causes of disease burden, less than 40 per cent of those experiencing mental health issues seek help. Even more concerning, nearly half of those who do attend therapy drop out prematurely, often after just one session. For many Australian men, the road to recovery is often paved with silence, but a new initiative is aiming to tackle the issue head-on. Studies show that traditional therapy approaches fall short for many men | Image: Cindy Bartillon The Walk and Talk Revolution Unveiled as part of a broader Men's Health Week initiative, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is encouraging men to step outside of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. Led by Associate Professor, Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, Dr Myles Young, the new 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical trial is reimaging how therapy is delivered, swapping the leather couch and doctor's surgery for a more pristine and inviting environment. The idea is simple: by shifting the sessions outdoors and to a more relaxed setting, men will feel more comfortable, open and free to speak up. 'We are really excited about this study. At its core, we are hoping to answer a simple question: does changing the setting of therapy have an impact on how engaging and effective it is for men?' Dr Myles Young says. 'There are some potential added benefits of engaging in therapy outdoors, including the chance to be physically active and get exposed to nature. Some men may also like the shoulder-to-shoulder nature of the conversations.' The innovative approach is designed to tackle what Dr Young believes is a significant mental barrier for young men: the rigidity of conventional therapy. Just as the causes of depression are complex and unique to each person, often the result of biological, psychological and social factors, so too should the therapy be tailored to an individual's needs. In an extensive study of almost 2,000 Australian men who had attended therapy, the most common reasons for dropping out were a lack of connection with the therapist, followed by a sense that attending therapy just 'didn't feel right'. 'Some men drop out because they feel therapy isn't relevant to them, too formal, or overly focused on emotions in ways that can feel confronting or uncomfortable,' Dr Young says. 'Others may struggle to see the immediate, practical benefits, or may feel shame for needing help. Therapeutic approaches that don't align with men's communication style or preferences can also lead to disengagement.' Associate Professor Dr Myles Young from Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle (R) | Image: University of Newcastle Addressing the Hurdles For many Australian men, mental health challenges remain a closely guarded secret. Issues surrounding public image and traditional ideals represent a significant barrier to entry, preventing a vast number of depression sufferers from seeking help. 'Many men value independence, problem-solving, and resilience, which are great strengths in most circumstances. However, these same qualities can also make it harder to reach out for support,' Dr Young says. 'Rather than a lack of willingness, it's often that men have been conditioned to believe they should 'push through' on their own. Reframing help-seeking as a courageous, proactive step can help, as it aligns with the values men often hold.' 'Traditional masculine norms like emotional stoicism, self-reliance, and the need to appear strong often discourage men from acknowledging distress or seeking help,' he continues. 'These norms can contribute to feelings of shame or failure when men face mental health struggles, making them less likely to engage with therapy.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lala Azizli The Road to Long-Lasting Mental Health The positive news is that things are changing. Dr Young reveals that a growing awareness amongst Australian men that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength, is spreading rapidly, buoyed by the spate of open discussions from celebrities, athletes and high-profile media personalities. As the mental health expert explains, the shift in sentiment is helping to create more avenues for treatment; however, there is still work to be done. 'It's great to see more male public figures openly discussing their mental health challenges. It's even more powerful to see everyday men start to have these conversations with each other,' he says. 'While men are still less likely than women to seek help for their mental health, the gap is closing over time. There is still a way to go, but there has been great progress in recent years.' 'As a society, we can continue to actively challenge social norms that suggest men should be tough, self-reliant, and emotionally restrained. By creating environments that normalise help-seeking and position it as a sign of strength and responsibility, we can shift the narrative around what it means to be a man.' Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle launch 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study | Image: Lumeeo Chasseur Immobilier Men's Therapy Study While formal therapy settings clash with society's traditional expectations of masculinity, the 'Walk-and-Talk' method creates shared ownership of the space in which therapy takes place, and it's not the only initiative challenging the industry standards. As Dr Young reveals, a series of projects are being rolled out across the globe in a combined effort to make therapy more engaging for men. The Australian Government's recent announcement of an additional $32 million in funding is one key step in supporting men's health and breaking the stigma around seeking support. Projects such as Movember's 'Men in Mind' program are specifically designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and strategies needed to effectively engage, support, and retain male clients in therapy. According to Dr Young, the key to making therapy more accessible and inviting is understanding how mental challenges arise and impact everyday Australians. 'Research has an important role to play as it can help us understand the specific barriers men face, the types of language and strategies that resonate with them, and which therapeutic styles improve engagement and retention,' he says. 'By continuing to build this evidence base, we can design services that are not only more appealing but also more effective in supporting men over the long term.' 'There are many paths to good mental health. Therapy can be incredibly helpful, but it's not necessarily the right fit for everyone at every stage of their life. If someone is going through a tough time, a great first step is to have a conversation with a general practitioner, who can provide guidance and help explore the options that might work best for them.' The 'Walk-and-Talk' clinical study, which is a collaboration between Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, is set to kick off in the coming months. Tackling the depression epidemic with a fresh new look, the revised therapy approach has the potential to lead to improved engagement and clinical outcomes. For a group most at risk of falling out of therapy and through the cracks, the informal method could prove to be a lifesaver. Right now, the HMRI is calling for male participants to help shape the future of mental health treatment, one step at a time.
