CAMERON DADDO: SUPPORT FOR MEN'S HEALTH

MAN on a MISSION

BELOVED AUSSIE ACTOR CAMERON DADDO DESCRIBES THE PERSONAL ROLLER COASTER JOURNEY TO ESTABLISHING A MEN’S HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

“My name is Cameron Daddo. I was born in the mid-60s and I’m married with three kids. I have worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, 25 of those most recently in the US. My family and I relocated to Australia in the beginning of 2017.

“For the past 30 years, my life hasn’t always been rosy. There have been plenty of ups and downs and without the assistance of others, I would not be writing this to you. I would not be in my marriage and, I dare say, I would not have my kids or a career.”

This is the poignant introduction to My Men’s Team – www.mymensteam.org - the website the beloved actor launched encouraging men to form teams in their local community where they can talk openly and be accountable to each other.

“Men’s mental health is a cause that I am very passionate about,” Cameron tells Thrive. “Our modern world is asking us to evolve, yet many of us are conditioned by old patterns passed down through generations.

“Understanding and allowing for change has its challenges and, for today’s modern man, many fellas are struggling with their `role’. Domestic violence and abuse numbers are up, male suicide in both young and old is also up. “Happy, healthy men do not engage in these acts. I started My Men’s Team to assist men in spending time with men they enjoy being with, encouraging inspiring and healthy conversation and learning to support each other.

“A decade ago, I was going through a very challenging time. My work was not providing the money needed to support my family. The incessant chatter in my brain woke me at 3am, I had lost faith in my usual support channels and I felt I had nowhere to turn.

“My wife [Alison Brahe, see her story overleaf] and kids were copping outbursts that I couldn’t contain.

“Out of desperation, I group-emailed the fathers at our kids’ school and briefly shared my situation, with an invitation: `If you feel the same way, please let me know’. “A surprising response of positivity followed along with brave acknowledgments of being in similar situations and feeling similar things.

"What we are unconsciously doing is practising ways to talk to each other, and the fruit of it is how we are able to then have a conversation with our loved ones; our wives, kids, parents and friends. Emotionally and physically healthy men make better partners, dads, and mates."

“I organised for a meeting in my garage and 23 men turned up to listen and share their experiences. That group lasted three sessions.

“In retrospect, the idea of opening up to 20-plus guys is a daunting one and three hours wasn’t long enough to hear from half. While our intent was there, we didn’t have the right tools to keep it going.

“Clearly, the timing wasn’t right, but deep down I knew I needed something like this.

“Cut to five years later I was invited to join an existing group-meeting of men. This time there were eight guys and they referred to themselves as a `team’. Initially I was a tad sceptical, but I went regardless.

“My cynicism was extinguished within two meetings. I witnessed eight individuals actively commit to one another, supporting emotions and feelings without judgement, with genuine care and with quiet strength, they were indeed a TEAM.

“They had a blueprint and a code that works and is still working today. A better more rounded, reliable and socially aware group of blokes would be hard to find. “The benefits that my family and I have received from me being a member of a Men’s Team are many and it is my belief and hope that it will be for others.”

He became inspired to broaden the concept of the men’s team by launching the website and is now encouraging others to form teams.

“With the actions of men highlighted in the news and on socials these days, My Men’s Team is more necessary than ever,” Cameron says.

“It’s time we get real with ourselves and each other. This is a safe and effective way to get things rolling and stay on track.

“Stop waiting to be picked - pick yourself and create a team.

“We empower all men to create teams in their local communities who come together, regularly, accountable to each other, with each member having the forum to speak from the heart and be heard.

“My Men’s Team is not a therapy session. We are not judgmental, nor opinionated. We are not psychologists. We do not provide advice unless it’s invited.

“This is about having the wherewithal to engage in conversations; the prickly ones, the uncomfortable ones. In my experience, they often begin feeling that way, but when we listen and respond, we can find ourselves in very different territory.

“What we are unconsciously doing is practising ways to talk to each other, and the fruit of it is how we are able to then have a conversation with our loved ones; our wives, kids, parents and friends.

“Emotionally and physically healthy men make better partners, dads, and mates.”

To find out more about My Men's Team, or form a team, visit mymensteam.org