Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men between the ages of 15 and 44, but despite this, our teenagers are not taught about the signs of depression or maintaining their own mental health.

According to the World Health Organisation, half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, which is why the focus for this year’s World Mental Health Day is Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.  

Depression is the third leading cause of illness amongst adolescents - yet most cases go undetected and untreated, as parents and teachers aren’t always taught to look out for it.

Failing to diagnose and treat mental illness can have tragic consequences, as long-term depression is often a contributory factor when someone takes their own life.

In Australia, suicide rates have been rising steadily. Last month, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that the numbers of people taking their own lives had increased by nine per cent in 2017.

Three out of four suicides were male and last year around 2,300 Australian men and boys took their own lives.

Men of Port Stephens need to understand that supporting and talking to one another is a key part of our mental health and wellbeing.

Being able to open up to our friends when we’re going through a tough time shouldn’t be a big deal, but sadly it is something many men find very difficult to do.

Suicide is complex and there is no single reason why anyone decides to take their own life. Tackling a problem on this scale requires a whole range of evidence-based approaches.

But because we know that men and boys are disproportionately affected by suicide, it surely makes sense that some of those solutions are specifically tailored to them.

At the Movember Foundation our work focuses on prevention, early intervention and health promotion – with ideas and suggestions for men of how to keep themselves mentally fit, before during and after they hit a crisis.

Knowing how to be mentally fit from a young age and to understand the importance of forming strong male friendships, can help boys cope better with the challenges that they will face in life and ultimately, allow them to lead healthier, happier lives.

To sign up or donate to the Movember Foundation visit movember.com.