MAN urges men struggling with their relationships or other issues to get help.

Executive Officer, Gary Bryant, said MAN offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of the victims.

“Such acts are not those of men who are functioning effectively,” Mr Bryant said.

“There is usually a whole series of events leading up to these tragedies, which means a number of opportunities for resolving the issues. If the person involved doesn’t recognise that they need help, then it is even more important for the people around them to try to do something. It is the responsibility of the whole community.”

Mr Bryant said MAN, an umbrella body representing men’s issues and organisations in Western Australia, could provide information about appropriate services.

“We encourage men who are encountering difficulties in their relationships or other aspects of their lives to seek appropriate assistance.

“Seeking such support is a sign of maturity and self-awareness and is not a sign of weakness or failure.

“We should all look after our mates and if we suspect that someone is having a hard time we should talk to them. If the situation is serious, we should encourage them to seek help,” he said.

“These tragedies show the despair that men can feel when they are going through troubled times. Without professional support, they can get into a negative thinking, downward spiral.

“Without help, some men may harm themselves and others, such as apparently what happened in this very unfortunate incident.”

MAN has contact details for agencies with services targeted at men, which are listed on the website www.man.org,au

Mensline Australia is a 24 hour support line 1300 78 99 78.  

The Men’s Advisory Network is a Western Australian peak body promoting men’s health and wellbeing, funded by the WA Department of Health.