Lindsay Pieper recently interviewed Terry Cornick from Mr. Perfect. The main aim of the conversation was to gain more of an understanding about the group and how they can break the barriers for men struggling with mental health.
1. Why do you feel Mr. Perfect’s approach to mental health will help men?
We try to always (we are not Perfect) to stick closely to our values for all events, Meet-ups and communications we create: Grassroots, Supportive, Inclusive.
Recently the leadership team sat down and agreed we are about connection and shared experiences and making mental health a comfortable discussion for everyone that we come into contact with.
This approach has, and will, help men as they can see we are approachable guys that they can be themselves around and not feel they have to put on a mask. When they listen to my and others stories it can break down some huge barriers and if they have not already, perhaps prompt them to seek some professional advice or help or just simply understand mental illness better.
2. What can men expect when they come to Mr. Perfect?
A completely inclusive, friendly and non-judgemental group of people that have a genuine interest in helping others and a huge passion for men's mental health. They can definitely expect warm, friendly conversation and a lot of laughs too.
3. What if men need more than a ‘comfortable discussion’ and how will you recognise this?
This has happened in the past year a few times and I have first had to make clear that I am not a Counsellor and Mr. Perfect is not a clinical or emergency crisis service. I then explain there are some great professionals out there, especially in a city like Sydney, that can help.
Finding a good GP can be difficult, I am lucky to have an incredible one, but I always suggest seeing one first and then from there there are a range of potential support options they can suggest and refer to.
Recognising it is not our responsibility as such but if there as such a case where I sensed there may be a potential emergency I would recommended calling emergency services. We have come in to contact with a variety of mental health conditions at Meet-ups but it is not compulsory anyone discloses anything, they could simply say hello and just feel comfortable being around others. Mr. Perfect does not target any particular condition, if any, but I have encountered those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Schizophrenia and more.
I recently did an "Accidental Counsellor" with Lifeline and it was an eye-opener as well as reassurance that if you are not professionally trained and you encounter a crisis scenario, you can simply "recognise (if possible), respond and refer".
4. Have you established partnerships with professional organisations and people who may be able to offer your clients ancillary services?
We do not currently have any formal partnerships but it may be something we explore in 2017. I have spoken at various Rotary groups recently and found that there are many involved in mental health organisations that are crying out for collaborations and support and clearly by working together that can only be a good thing.
5. What is the best outcome you can expect from your Meet-up attendees?
That they walk away congratulating themselves that they got out of the house for a couple of hours, met some new people, listened, shared and walked away knowing there are others out there that truly recognise we are all humans, with mental health conditions or not. I love hearing everyones stories and as a I writer it inspires me and trying to support others actually makes my mental health struggles easier.
If our Meet-ups made them take their mental health a little more seriously or prompted them to ask for help, if they had not already, then we have achieved something.
About Lindsay Pieper
Lindsay is a Clinical Psychologist who has experience providing treatment in private and public settings for children, adolescents, and adults. Lindsay is the Director and Principal Psychologist of The Integrative Psychology Clinic, a progressive psychology practice located in Manly Vale on Sydney's Northern Beaches.