Being a digger and a bloke
Impact of military training
Military training may impact on some ex-servicemen's attitude to how they look after their health and wellbeing today.
Before commencing military training you're all different but within 24 hours you would have lost your individuality. You were given the same issue right down to your underwear and your hair was cut in a similar style and length - you were given a number.
You were taught that you had a job to do, you had to learn to switch off and soldier on so that you would not let the side down. Military training teaches the opposite to the normal human fight, flight response. You are trained (drilled) to respond to loud verbal commands until the command becomes automatic.
Myths, attitudes and values and their impact on healthy lifestyles
A MYTH is a story of unknown origin that cannot be verified however has become widely believed in culture.
Many of the belief systems or myths that are a part of our culture are also in many ways responsible for the long-term psychological and physical ill health of men in particular. At 19 we think we know it all and we have this sense of invincibility (the idea we will never grow old or for that matter die). What we need to realise is that powerful forces in the form of belief systems, which have existed for centuries before us, are shaping the way we react and will live in the future. In other words dead men rule us.
Some myths, which have contributed to the long-term ill health of Australian ex-servicemen, include:
- Real men don't cry
- Smoking will NOT give you cancer
- You must be strong at all costs and show no signs of weakness
- To be a man you must always be in control and seen to be strong.
Like paranoia there is always a little truth in a myth. There are times, such as on the battle field during a contact, when you do have to be tough, not cry, face your fear and push on irrespective of how much physical and emotional pain you are enduring.
The problem for most people, in particular males, is that they learn to live by these rules to the point where they do not address their emotional and physical pains.
By not addressing our emotional and physical symptoms we bring excessive pressure to bear on our body. The idea of men not crying goes against nature; we would not have tear ducts if we were not meant to use them.
One of the key messages in health promotion should be the importance of having both a healthy mind and a healthy body.
Grief and loss
Ageing and retirement may be difficult for men as the realisation that they are not invincible and will eventually die starts to hit home to them.
In reality the more activities and exercise the individual is involved in the less likely they are to get sick.
Those
males who prepare for their later years financially and with developing
interests such as walking, swimming, music or hobbies will live a healthier
and more fulfilled life. They will usually have a higher self-esteem
and fuller relationship with their partners and circle of friends.
Many people as they age begin to lose their confidence and withdraw from social events and avoid exercise.