Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, says his message for the new year is to “look out for a mate” during what can be a difficult and stressful period.

Mr Hawks said he’d like to use his federal election candidacy to raise awareness of the importance of self-care, and taking the time to “check in on a mate.”

Finding the strength to reach out for help can be a challenge, he said, but it’s an especially important message for men to absorb, given the higher rates of self-harm experienced by men this time of year.

“As men, it’s difficult to hear that a big part of taking responsibility for our own mental health is admitting we’re struggling,” Mr Hawks said.

Mr Hawks said men can check out Mensline Australia by calling 1300 78 99 78 if they’re struggling with relationship problems or just need someone to listen to them.

“Relationship worries are another one of those hidden pandemics for men,” Mr Hawks said.

“Mensline have professional counsellors who specialise in helping men going through separations and divorce, or who have some anger management stuff to work through,” Mr Hawks said.

“If you ask your mate if they are okay and they say not really or they are struggling, just take some time to be with them. Sit and listen.
Whether it’s on the phone or in person, them knowing you care enough to do that is really important,” Mr Hawks said

“Let them know they can call you if they need to talk and that you will be there for them.

“Also check on them more regularly if you get a sense they are doing it tough,” he said.

Mr Hawks said while the pandemic has created unique financial and emotional challenges for families and businesses in the north, the community has risen to the challenge. However, he said communities’ resilience can only be stretched so far.

“The response to the pandemic has had a kind of cushioning effect, and perhaps helped people get through emotional trauma that isn’t pandemic related,” Mr Hawks said.

“But as things get back to what we used to call ‘normal,’ will those resources still be there to help people cope?”

“This is what we need to be thinking about,” he said.

Of particular concern to Mr Hawks is the relationship between self-harm and domestic violence in the north. Men are disproportionately the perpetrators in both in cases.

“Tragically, self-harm and domestic violence go hand in hand in many cases, unfortunately,” Mr Hawks says. “

Townsville has higher rates of domestic violence and self-harm than comparable regional cities, Mr Hawks said.

“We’ve had about 140 suicides in Townsville in the last five years, and the same number of hospitalizations for self-harm,” Mr Hawks said.

Mr Hawks is bringing attention to the “Yule be Ok” campaign promoted by the Townsville Suicide Prevention Network and Selectability, and encourages everyone to check out the resources available on the TSPN Facebook page.

The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14.