I agree with Antonella Celi, men's needs are particular, just like children and women but there is very little policy attention (apart from the areas of health and relationships) which address the needs of men. Men's health and wellbeing can only be improved by improving the policies that impact on their lives not just their health. If we just focus on their health, we are only acting when the horse has bolted.

Working in the overburdened underfunded field of Psychiatry it breaks my heart to have to send men home so soon after a suicide attempts without true connections and community to support them. Loneliness and disconnection are the silent killers underneath this epidemic..Lets start treating the cause rather than patching up the symptoms.. Imagine a world where people with mental illness are released from hosital to a thriving, creative, community where men could learn how to start connecting with their vulnerability in a supported way opening up the door to intimacy and healing.. Ehon, I hope you get a chance to meet Julia and raise these urgent questions! Good luck

Great question Ehon - this is a problem with very personal impact. Let's see it raised at the highest levels

But is part of the question what are we as blokes going to do about reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide? Is it that intrinsically we do not want to show any signs of a weakness? That being said though, if someone is serious about suiciding, you really won't know until it's too late I've found.

And why have the government cut access to mental health care plans which are currently the only solution for professional health that doesn't involve prescribing anti-depressants (a quick fix, not a long term solution). Regular and sustained counselling is a proven method for addressing the root causes of mental issues, providing people with tools and insights for managing issues on their own.

especially homosexual young men who are not able to express themselves in their community in fear of being discriminated against

Mental health issues needs to be addressed, some of them can shorten peoples lives, like suicide. Please dont let this contiune, provide the support and care that we need.

An Office of Men's Policy needs to be established. Women, children and families are well supported.

well done Ehon...share the message

a very important issue that we need to solve...tell your local state and federal representative to do all they can to support men's health groups in your area. healthy fathers make for healthy families