How are you going?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's a simple question that for rural men can be a tough one to answer.
It's that bush stoicism that a new website set up by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) hopes to circumvent, by handing men the tools to take charge of their own struggles.
There is still a significant disparity in rural and metropolitan mental health outcomes, RAMHP coordinator Matthew Milne said.
"We know men weren't doing so well through the challenging drought conditions and weren't reaching out as often as they should," he said.
"We know blokes are typically bad at getting health support, whether that's physical or mental, so we wanted to create a resource that would keep them strong and get them out of a tough spot."
The website, You Got This Mate, has useful tips on how and why to take action and connects men to the best care in their area.
Resources for family and friends concerned about a loved one are also available, to give direction on what action to take when someone else might have a mental health problem. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and rural men are even less likely to use psychological services.
The website has specifically geared, relevant resources for rural men, it's easy to use and has tips to get help straight away, Mr Milne said.
"It is such a crisis situation, men aren't reaching out for help and they bottle up their problems until it reaches a tipping point," he said.
"We want to nip that in the bud, to focus on early-intervention so men can look after themselves."
And, it's not just rural stoicism that can stop men from getting help.
In rural areas mental health services can be scarce and the closest doctor could be a few hours drive away.
You Got This Mate was informed by consultation groups of men across all aspects of life and the women who support them.
Read also:
There are plenty of signs and symptoms that someone might be struggling, Mr Milne said.
"Sleep is usually the first thing that's affected, people either sleep too much or not enough," he said.
"Emotional outbursts are common, whether someone is overly teary in a moment where it maybe wasn't warranted, or there's some anger or irritation that bubbles to the surface.
"Blokes might also complain of physical pains, that can be their body telling them something isn't right. That's what will usually take a bloke to the GP and if the GP asks the right questions they could get the back story for what's really going on."
For information visit yougotthismate.com.au.