But Mr Egeberg said it was important to keep issues of mental health and well-being of all men in conversations and the public spotlight.

National mental health organisation beyondblue this week launched Wingmen, a support website offering expert advice, resources and an online network of support for gay men who are worried their partner or friend may have anxiety, depression or be suicidal.

A Shout Out survey (2013) of gay men revealed gay men felt most comfortable turning to other gay men for emotional support but many were unsure how to support their mates and worried about saying the wrong thing.

Mr Egeberg said Ballarat was fortunate to have a wealth of mental health services available for support, but it was important to have confidence in how to access them.

“(Wingman) is an important program for gay men, but I think it’s an important issue for all men in general,” Mr Egeberg said.

“In years gone by, men didn’t talk much about how they were feeling. Certainly there had that sense of community at the pub talking to mates over a few beers, and you could go to the footy and sports fields, but not really engaging in those issues.”

Wingmen was developed by beyondblue and the National LGBTI Health Alliance, funded by donations from the Movember Foundation. The site is designed by gay men for gay men.

It is the latest beyondblue initiative to help LGBTI people achieve their best possible mental health and to prevent suicide.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, transgender and gender diverse people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and are at greater risk of suicide and self-harm than the broader population, according to beyondblue. Among LGBTI populations, beyondblue research clearly indicates that discrimination, abuse (both verbal and physical), exclusion and prejudice are key contributors to the increased rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm.

beyondblue board director Professor Michael Kidd said asking someone if they were feeling depressed or suicidal was never an easy conversation. 

“We all want to be there for our friends,” Professor Kidd said. “But sometimes we worry about having these kinds of conversations.

“Wingmen gives practical advice, tips and resources to help prepare for those conversations.”

If you or someone you know needs support, call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support; or QLife, 1800 184 527.