ST JOHN of God Hospital plans to capture the importance of Men’s Health Week with the introduction of a new competition.
Snap a photo of a man in your life, and you could win an iPad to share your favourite photos in the St John of God Raphael Centre’s Healthy Men, Healthy Minds Photo Competition.
The Raphael Centre was opened in 2006, and provides specialist perinatal and infant mental health services to Casey and Cardinia families.
In the lead-up to Men’s Health Week from 9 until 15 June, the Raphael Centre will seek to raise awareness of postnatal depression in men, which can affect up to 15 per cent of new fathers between conception and 12 months following child birth.
The Healthy Men, Healthy Minds competition invites men, women and families to submit a photo which has been inspired by, or is reflective of, positive relationships between children and a significant male in their lives.
Entries can be made between 2 June and 15 June through St John of God Health Care facebook page, www.facebook.com/sjoghealthcare.
There will be a public vote to choose 10 competition finalists before a panel of judges chose an overall winner to receive the prize of an iPad Air and two runners-up, each who will receive a $50 Coles Myer voucher.
Raphael Centre Berwick manager Bronwyn Owen said the effects of post-natal depression stretch further than the person directly impacted.
“Postnatal depression affects the whole family and when one parent suffers with depression, the likelihood of the other parent also becoming symptomatic is increased substantially,” she said.
“Men are often expected to be strong and capable, yet fathers also have to contend with the emotional changes and challenges that a new baby brings to the family. At times, this balancing or juggling act can be difficult and traumatic. For some, the struggle is reflected in emotional distress or depression.”
Ms Owen said she hoped this competition would promote positive images of men’s mental health and raise awareness to the fact that help was available.
