June 12, 2024 – Reuben Parkinson, a former international rugby player and current mental health advocate, is urging for increased promotion and awareness during Men’s Mental Health Week, particularly highlighting the mental health struggles faced by Māori men.
“I haven’t seen much about it at all, and for me, that’s a bit of a concern, because statistically, Māori men are at an all-time bad end of that scale when it comes to mental health,” Parkinson stated, stressing the critical nature of the issue.
Parkinson’s personal journey illustrates the pressing need for improved mental health support.
“I went to Japan and sent my young family there, but when I finished rugby, I was at a very loose end,” he recounted. “No longer did I have that structure, no longer did I have that meaning and purpose in my life. And so, to cut a long story short, I mismanaged a lot of parts of my life because I just didn’t have the tools to navigate these things.”
The transition from the structured environment of professional sports to the uncertainties of post-rugby life left Parkinson in a difficult position.
Men of Action: A Holistic Approach
“Financially, I went through a really bad stage. I lost a lot of money. I lost a lot of friends and, more importantly, I nearly lost my family,” Parkinson shared. These experiences have fueled his dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges.
Statistics highlight the severe mental health issues among Māori men, who face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
In response, Parkinson founded Men of Action, an organization designed to address these critical issues. The organization provides support by integrating cultural understanding with practical tools for mental wellness, emphasizing community, cultural identity, and holistic health practices.
Parkinson underscores the importance of Men’s Mental Health Week, advocating for its increased visibility.
“I would love this week to be a real foundation to be put out there so men get an understanding of where they can get support from and how they can better their lives,” he emphasized.
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