As fierce AFL rivals and beyondblue partners the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn prepare to go head-to-head this Thursday, both sides are urging the AFL community to consider the value of mateship.
The highly-anticipated clash at the SCG on Thursday 14 July is the annual Swans beyondblue awareness game, and a good opportunity for the teams to pick up where they left off at the AFL beyondblue Cup in May.
At the Cup clash in Melbourne, the Swans claimed a 14-point victory over the Hawks, as the clubs called on footy fans to reach out to their mates when they suspect they are doing it tough.
Now, the teams are asking the community to take a step back and consider just how valuable mates are, as seeing friends regularly is one of the best defences against depression and anxiety.
It’s a particularly important message for blokes in their 30s and 40s. Theirs is one of the groups most at risk of suicide and research shows they are the most likely to let friendships slide as their lives change.
A report has revealed one in four middle-aged Australian men feel they have nobody outside their immediate family to rely on and 60 per cent don’t think they are part of a community.
beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said the Swans and Hawks teams demonstrate the benefits of camaraderie and genuine mateship.
“With help from sporting clubs like the Swans and the Hawks, we’ve come a long way in breaking down the stigma associated with depression and anxiety, conditions that were once only whispered about – if they were discussed at all,” she said.
“Tragically, though, nearly eight Australians take their lives each day, six of them men. We simply can’t afford to stop reminding people to get help if they are struggling to deal with daily life.
“It’s just as important to look after your mental health as it is physical health. We know eating vegetables is good for a person’s body, however, research shows having a network of good mates and speaking openly with them does wonders for a person’s wellbeing.”
Sydney Swans defender Dane Rampe said his team is proud to get behind beyondblue, and remind people that good mates mean more than just good fun.
“Our team performs best when we work together and foster a sense of camaraderie, so it makes sense that our wellbeing is best when we have a team of mates in our life,” he said.
More than 50 beyondblue volunteers will surround the SCG before kick-off on Thursday, to distribute beyondblue wristbands and rattle fundraising tins. A range of beyondblue’s resources will also be freely available from a marquee at the main entrance.
beyondblue’s Support Service is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support for web chat (3PM-12AM AEST) or email responses (in 24 hours).
