At CBHS we help you manage your health challenges. We believe in offering you the services, support and tools you need to live your best life.
Health and Wellness Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Health and Wellness Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
Contact us for more information and to confirm your eligibility for a program.
What coping mechanisms do men really use to stay mentally healthy?
While Australians are having more open conversations about mental health than ever before, many men still aren't getting the support they need. Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that young women sought mental health support at almost double the rate of young men. In 2024, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that over 76% of reported deaths by suicide were male. These results emphasise why it’s so important that men can access the help they need.
Professional support can play a pivotal part in mental health care and treatment, but it's not the only factor. The everyday habits, hobbies and behaviours we use to deal with challenging situations and the difficult emotions they may cause are known as coping mechanisms.
Let's take a closer look at the common coping mechanisms Australian men use, from the strategies that support their wellbeing to the behaviours that may cause more harm than good.
What are healthy coping behaviours?
Healthy coping strategies may take many different forms, but they all provide positive benefits to mental health and wellbeing. They can be as simple as eating well, exercising regularly or doing something you love.
Mindful and social pastimes like meditation, joining hobby groups and journaling are not only popular hobbies but are also help us support wellbeing and navigate difficult times.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to coping, but here are some ideas to get you started.
- Connect with friends, family and your community
- Have a conversation with your friends, community or a mental health professional
- Keep an active routine
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Spend time doing something you enjoy
Together, these habits can build positive routines and strengthen connections that may contribute to better wellbeing and help people when times feel tough.
What are unhealthy coping behaviours?
Unhelpful behaviours or unhealthy coping mechanisms are band-aid solutions to a more serious issue. These quick fixes might offer a short-term distraction but don't offer long-term support.
Do you recognise any of these behaviours in yourself or someone you care about?
- Reckless or aggressive behaviour
- Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs
- Smoking
- Binge eating
- Excessive spending
- Risk-taking behaviours such as gambling or unsafe sex
- Oversleeping
- Excessive screen time, such as scrolling social media or watching TV
Over time, these behaviours can make it harder for some people to seek the support they need and address underlying issues.
Helping men identify unhelpful behaviours makes it easier to help them find healthier strategies that will benefit their wellbeing in the long-term.
Get help
If you’re looking to improve your mental health and wellbeing, we offer a range of programs to assist eligible members experiencing mental health challenges or living with mental illness to get the support they need.
Contact our Health & Wellness team via email on wellness@cbhs.com.au to find out if you're eligible. These programs are available to members with the appropriate Hospital or packaged cover.
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, go straight to your GP or hospital emergency department, or contact a crisis centre below:
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636, 24-hours/7 days a week.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention services.
Sources
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/statistics
https://mensline.org.au/mens-mental-health/men-and-emotions/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/mens-mental-health
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/loneliness/30-ways-to-connect
https://mensline.org.au/mens-mental-health/mens-mental-health-common-challenges/
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/intentional-self-harm-suicide-deaths/2024
https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/populations/young-people-s-mental-health
All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.