"I know exactly what I would tell someone in my family, friendship group, workplace, sporting team, or social circle if they were going through this. Which is slightly awkward, because I am currently going through this."
The title is deliberately long.
But the story it tells is one many Australian men know well.
Many men are good at recognising when someone they care about is struggling. We encourage our mates to seek help, speak to their GP, take a break, or talk things through.
Yet when it comes to ourselves, our go-to response is often:
This pattern is common across Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 43% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental health condition at some point in their lives, while men remain significantly less likely than women to seek professional mental health support.
The consequences can be serious. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Australian men, with men accounting for approximately three-quarters of all suicide deaths nationally.
Eventually, many men reach a point where they decide something needs to change.
They speak to their GP. They see a psychologist. They try antidepressant medication. They work on their sleep, exercise more, cut back on alcohol, and make a genuine effort to follow the advice they've been given.
For many people, these steps make a significant difference.
But not for everyone.
One of the most discouraging experiences can be doing exactly what you're supposed to do and still feeling stuck.
When treatment doesn't provide the relief you hoped for, it's easy to start asking difficult questions:
"Maybe this is just who I am."
"Maybe nothing is going to work."
"Maybe I should stop getting my hopes up."
These thoughts are understandable.
They're also often wrong.
The reality is that mental health treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. Different people respond to different approaches, and sometimes finding the right treatment takes longer than anyone would like.
Importantly, running out of relief is not the same thing as running out of options.
This is where many people first hear about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
A typical TMS session involves sitting comfortably while a magnetic coil is positioned against the scalp. Most people describe the sensation as a gentle tapping feeling on the side of the head.
Treatment sessions are relatively brief, and normal activities—including driving and returning to work—can usually be resumed immediately afterwards.
TMS has been extensively researched internationally and within Australia and is recognised as a safe and effective treatment for people experiencing depression, particularly those who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication or psychological therapy.
Research conducted by Australian clinicians and researchers has contributed significantly to the growing evidence supporting TMS as a treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.
Importantly, Medicare rebates are available for eligible Australians receiving TMS treatment for depression, making access to care more affordable for many people seeking alternative depression treatment options.
For individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, TMS may offer another pathway forward when previous treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
If you've been struggling, have tried several treatments, and feel as though you've reached the end of the road, it may be worth asking a different question.
Not:
"Why haven't I gotten better yet?"
But:
"Have I been given all the information about the options available to me?"
Because recognising a problem is only the first step.
Making good decisions about our mental health requires good information.
And sometimes, hope begins with discovering that there are still options left to explore.
At neurocare, we provide evidence-based mental health services tailored to individual needs, including:
Whether you're exploring TMS treatment in Australia, seeking support for depression, or looking for a personalised mental health care plan, our team is here to help.
Call: 1300 149 300
Email: enquiry.au@neurocaregroup.com
Speak with our friendly team to learn more about TMS and other mental health treatment options available at neurocare.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mental health services in Australia.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Deaths by suicide in Australia.
Malhi GS, Mann JJ. Depression. The Lancet. 2018.
Fitzgerald PB, Hoy KE, Elliot D, McQueen S, Wambeek LE, Daskalakis ZJ. Exploring repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation outcomes in Australia.