An online platform that allows men to stay connected and express how they are feeling is improving their experience of the second COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria.
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Victorian preventative mental health initiative On The Low Down said male participants in its online Connection Sessions had reported improvements to their well-being since being involved.
On The Low Down founder David Pearce said many attendees expressed feelings of guilt, increased phone addiction, difficulty maintaining separation between work and home life and increased stress during the first Victorian lockdown.
Participants in the virtual sessions are encouraged to share their feelings and challenges with others in the group.
They are taught how to feel more comfortable sharing their challenges and the skills needed to listen to others.
Mr Pearce said regular participants reported positive changes between the first and second lockdowns.
He said 55 per cent showed an increased appreciation for 'time spent alone' and 'time spent with others'.
Sixty per cent said they increased behaviours that can be characterised as self-compassionate and/or compassion towards others.
One thing that we are noticing is that being real with others about where we are at is becoming the norm and it's helping Victorian men look after their mental well-being.
- David Pearce, On The Low Down
Seventy-five per cent of participants said they had an increased appreciation for digital communication skills and technology.
Mr Pearce said participants reported a 25 per cent reduction in their general stress levels in the second lockdown, citing a more balanced perspective, a sentiment of community solidarity and improved communication strategies to help themselves and others in managing their well-being.
"Our virtual events are places for everyone, but have been established particularly for Victorian men to share where they are at, to be heard, and to support others to do the same because it feels good and it's a good thing to do," he said.
"Describing our challenges at this time, either verbally or in writing, helps us understand them better - which brings us closer to effectively addressing them.
"Amongst other things, the process provides us with a more balanced perspective, and it's a good thing to do for the broader community as it demonstrates solidarity, leadership and courage.
"And this all just results in us feeling better about life."
On The Low Down had been running live, in-person preventative mental health events across communities and businesses in Australia, including in Ballarat, but switched to the online format when COVID-19 hit.
"Very few of us are enjoying so much enforced solitude, and while there has been an increase in rates of violence, suicide and substance abuse, we are not measuring all of the key metrics," Mr Pearce said.
"One thing that we are noticing is that being real with others about where we are at is becoming the norm and it's helping Victorian men look after their mental well-being.
"I think our society is starting to see showing some vulnerability as more of an opportunity to demonstrate strength and leadership and courage as opposed to 'you are weak'. "
On The Low Down is hosting its next free Connection Session on Friday at 12pm.
Sign up at onthelowdown.com.au/events.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
