Are You Bogged Mate?

It’s been a tough couple of years with drought, the Black Summer Bushfires, Covid lockdowns and floods. Do you sometimes feel like you get bogged down in the mud?

As part of International Men’s Health Week, Lithgow City Council is bringing Mary O’Brien of ‘Are you bogged mate?’ to talk about men’s mental health and suicide, while spreading awareness about depression in the bush.

Experiencing depression in rural areas is a lot like getting bogged in the mud. It might have been a soft patch in the road or a paddock where the vehicle stopped moving.

Perhaps you were able to get out of it without too much trouble or were able to use a winch. But what happens when you really get stuck, right to the chassis?

It takes guts to admit you are bogged – and to reach out for a helping hand to get back on track.

Men’s Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but also men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The theme of Men’s Health Week 2022 is Building Healthy Environments for Men and Boys – focusing on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings.

Speaking in three locations, these events are for men only. Men are encouraged to bring a young male with them (15 years and older). Free entry and food is provided.

           Clarence / Dargan Rural Fire Brigade Shed            Chifley Rd, 250M West of Zig Zag Railway, Clarence, NSW

          1955 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, NSW

           Running Stream Community Hall            Castlereagh Highway, Running Stream, NSW

Mayor of Lithgow City Council, Councillor Maree Statham encourages men to come along to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

“This is an incredible opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health and we are very fortunate to have Mary O’Brien speaking with our community members. Mental health is an ongoing conversation – it’s important to continue to come together to support each other,” she said.

Raised on the land, Mary O’Brien understands the diverse challenges faced by the rural sector. After spending her whole life working in rural and remote Australia, she knows country men. She’s worked with them, for them and beside them and most importantly she knows how to talk to them.

For more details and to RSVP, contact the Community Recovery Officer on 0419 100 085 or send an email to [email protected].

“Are you bogged mate?” is all about helping country men talk about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about depression in the bush. You can find out more at www.areyouboggedmate.com.au

The events are hosted by Lithgow City Council in partnership with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and supported by Resilience NSW.

For confidential support and someone to talk to, call lifeline on 131114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.