A Delta golf course owner and his family are staunch supporters of a website to help men dealing with depression and even contemplating suicide.
It was just over five years ago when Brad Newell learned about Heads Up Guys, an online tool created by Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, a UBC professor.
“They were struggling at the time and needed funds. I really liked John and what he was doing,” recalled Newell of the non-profit resource.
It didn’t take long for the owner of King’s Links Golf Course by the Sea and King of Floors to jump onboard as a major financial contributor to Ogrodniczuk’s site.
“What’s the best thing about Heads Up Guys?” continued Newell. “We get 150 guys a day that will punch into Google search I want to kill myself. Should I use a rope? Should I jump off a bridge? It’s mostly males later at night. That’s when Heads Up Guys gets picked up in Google analytics (as a top search link). We know we are saving lives.”
The site provides tips, tools, information about professional services, and stories of success. Depression affects millions of men every day yet many suffer in silence.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men account for 75 to 80 percent of suicides with untreated or poorly treated depression being one of the leading risk factors.
More than 75 percent of the estimated 300,000 online users of the site’s self-check depression screening tool has indicated probable depression.
“Everyone is struggling especially now (amid the pandemic). This site will go on forever and it will save lives,” added Newell. “As men, we've been taught for generations that showing despair, sadness or other emotions are signs of weakness. We're told we should just “snap out of it.” If we don't talk about it and it goes on too long, we withdraw, close down or shut people out.
“If you or someone you know might be suffering from depression, I can tell you that there is help, hope and people available to get you back on track.”
Newell added the site is also valuable for family members and friends looking for answers with a section dedicated to ways to provide support.
“Thirty percent traffic are females try find out what is wrong with their guy,” he said.
For more information visit the Heads Up Guys website: www.headsupguys.org.
