Approaches to healthy psycho-social habits in men

The Men’s Table, in conjunction with Prima EAP, hosted a lunchtime webinar event during Men’s Health Week (12-18 June) to discuss the year’s theme of ‘Healthy Habits’.

Facilitated by The Men’s Table co-founder, David Pointon, the webinar included a discussion with four men about what healthy psycho-social habits look like and how they enable men to feel more whole and complete, open and connected.

Special guests sharing their perspectives included:

• Rae Bonney – Workplace Mental Health Consultant, Counsellor, Men and Boys Health Specialist.
• Tadgh Kennelly – ex AFL and Gaelic Premiership Footballer, co-founder WNOW
• Anthony Doyle (MT38 Randwick) and Jason Jackson (MT81 Launceston) – two men from Tables who shared stories about their personal experience.

Approaches from the conversation to support men's mental health included:

• Focus on small changes that can slowly build over time, for example speaking from the heart when asked ‘how are you today?’
• Be a show-up guy, check in on others regularly and give them the space to share how they really are
• Acknowledge that while it is important to recognise many of our needs as ‘human needs’ that are not defined by the masculine vs the feminine, there are also differences in biology, societal norms and experiences (individual, historical and cultural) that suggest there is value in men-only environments, such as at The Men’s Table.

The Men’s Table is a national registered, not-for-profit group that supports men to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a greater sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection.