Six Australian men commit suicide every 24 hours. The I’m Just A Man Foundation – IJAM – was created to raise much-needed awareness of men’s mental health issues, especially suicide.
Founded in 2017 by Melbourne chiropractor Jim Skivalidas (“Dr Jim”) after a life-changing experience, IJAM aims to encourage communication and conversations about subjects many men regard as taboos: mental health, how they’re coping, what they’re struggling with and, sometimes, the thought of suicide.
Men are notorious for clamming up, bottling and stewing things, and refusing to ask for help, let alone acknowledge they’ve even got a problem. “I’m just fine”…”I’m just a bit stressed”…”I’m all good”…White lies? No worries! Anything to get out of opening up and appearing weak, or silly, or useless.
Unfortunately, this stereotypical outlook and its keep calm and carry on mentality can be a ticket to tragedy.
Under Dr Jim’s stewardship, IJAM seeks to facilitate communication, deepen human connections, and provide a space to be OK with being vulnerable and honest. It acknowledges the struggling males in our lives – brothers, fathers, colleagues, mates – and provides a community where everyone belongs, honouring suffering males (present and passed), and gives them a voice when they think nobody is listening.
IJAM’s work in this space culminates in an annual gala event to raise funds and awareness of men’s mental health issues. The ninth annual event was held in November last year – the White Party – which brought together the IJAM community, friends and supporters for a brilliant celebration of music, great food and drink, community, and the sharing of lived experiences in the mental wellness space.
The funds raised by IJAM proudly support a number of charities dedicated to improving men’s health and tackling the epidemic of male suicide, including Beyond Blue, the Movember Foundation, and RUOK?
Our founder and principal, Rob Rankin, has been involved with IJAM from the beginning, and is committed to working with Dr Jim to raise awareness and funds to support this worthwhile – but often neglected – cause. To find out more about IJAM, or to get involved or make a donation, click here.