DAYS before Craig Mack's third suicide attempt four years ago, he wished one of his mates would reach out and ask how he was doing.
"I just wanted someone to notice I wasn't myself and say 'hey man, what's going on'," said the 40-year-old Sydney-based social media strategist. "But no one noticed and it felt like nobody cared."
Craig has lived with depressive disorders his whole life and knows how isolating depression can be. But he also knows the power of one phone call from a friend to shatter the "negativity constantly swimming around in your head".
He has thrown his support behind a new online mental health support hub for gay men launched by beyondblue.
A recent survey of gay men revealed 80 per cent of participants had friends with depression, while three-quarters experienced anxiety themselves.
According to the 2013 Shout Out survey, gay men felt most comfortable turning to other gay men for emotional support, but many were unsure how to support their mates and worried about saying the wrong thing.
"Just being there, listening and asking small questions is enough to let someone know they're not alone and that they do have someone who cares about them," Craig said.
The Wingmen website offers expert advice, resources and an online network of support for gay men worried their partner or friend may have anxiety, depression or be suicidal.
The site was developed by beyondblue and the National LGBTI Health Alliance and funded by donations from the Movember Foundation.
Beyondblue's Professor Michael Kidd said asking someone if they were feeling depressed or suicidal wasn't easy; but that's where Wingmen can help.
"We all want to be there for our friends," Professor Kidd said. "But sometimes we worry about having these kinds of conversations.
Movember Foundation executive director programs Paul Villanti said the website offered step-by-step support.
"A lot of guys are doing it tough out there, but it can be hard to know how to reach out and lend a hand," Mr Villanti said.
"We're proud to fund Wingmen and make these important conversations about mental health easier."
For more information on the Wingman resource click here.
- If you or someone you know needs support phone beyondblue support service 1300-224-636; QLife 1800-184-527; Lifeline 131-114.
