Man Anchor founder, Steven Gamble has been roaming Australia’s east coast these last four years spreading the good word about mental health. Being swallowed up by depression or spun wild by anxiety is as common as house bricks but many of us don’t have the language or the knowledge to confidently discuss them.This worsens an already big problem. Nearly50% of Australians will experience a mental health disorder in their life while suicide kills more young males than any other cause. The Man Anchor message is that we can all learn to look after ourselves and our mates with a bit more knowledge, training and empathy. Tracks spoke with Steven to learn more.

What are the signs that a friend is struggling with mental ill health issues?
There are four major categories to keep an eye on. Behavioural change. If you’re not seeing someone do something they love or acting in unusual ways – isolating or engaging in risk taking behaviours. Then there’s the thoughts and feelings category – when someone reacts differently to life changing circumstance and how they navigate life. They might be over-whelmed, indecisive, disappointed or sad.There are physical shifts as well – weight gain or loss, looking tired due to insomnia or experiencing gastrointestinal problems. You put all these together and you notice a big shift or a series of minor shifts in a person’s well-being– that’s a good indication that something maybe going on.

What do you say to someone who seems to be struggling but doesn’t want to talk about it?
If you come to someone without judgement and you let them know you’ve seen changes in them and that you’re concerned and that you want to support them. If you can do that with empathy and without judgement you create an opportunity for connection. ...