Despite Australia being one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world, migrant communities continue to face issues navigating the healthcare system. Especially when it comes to receiving care for mental health.

Movember’s latest ‘Real Face of Men’s Health Report’ reveals key insights from a 2023 Australian study on male health. The research shows that men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face 70% higher odds of encountering barriers to accessing health services compared to non-culturally and linguistically diverse men. 

These barriers likely account for why men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds present more often to emergency departments with symptoms of a severe or life-threatening nature.

In 2006, Buku Khamis migrated to Australia from South Sudan with his parents and brothers. Growing up, Buku noticed that many men in his community were reluctant to approach mental health care or have open discussions about mental health. Wanting to change this, Buku began volunteering in his local community to support the physical, mental, and social health of migrant and refugee boys and men. 

We had a chat with Buku to discuss his own experiences with mental health and how we can make these tough conversations easier.

What do you do to support your mental health?

I’m close with my family and I’ve made heaps of friends through footy, so I’m lucky to have a lot of support around me. As an AFL player, I’m also fortunate to have access to excellent health services through the club. This helps me maintain my physical health with regular physio sessions and rehab, but also my mental health, giving me people to talk to when I need. The AFLPA offers confidential counselling services for all current and past players, which is pretty awesome. 

In my free time, I volunteer with Sons of the West, a program run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and partially funded by Movember. The program encourages men from multicultural backgrounds to prioritise their health and wellbeing. It’s great to be part of an initiative that promotes open conversations about mental health and provides practical tools that support wellbeing.

Do you think that men in your family, and men in your community are also proactive with their mental health?

In my experience, many men in migrant and refugee communities hesitate to seek help for mental health issues. That’s certainly true for some of my mates and family. There’s often a stigma around discussing mental health issues – it’s just not something we’re used to doing culturally. This is improving, though, especially with initiatives like Sons of the West, which are helping guys understand the importance of seeking help early.

What are areas of mental health awareness that you think aren’t being spoken about?

One thing that needs more attention is mental health education within multicultural communities. Men need to be able to understand the health resources they are receiving and why they are important. Addressing the mental health needs of young men in these communities is also important, as they often face unique challenges with their identity and sense of belonging.

What are some ways someone can start taking care of their mental health?

Having open conversations is key. Finding someone you trust and can talk to about how you’re feeling can make a big difference. Also, taking time for activities that you enjoy and that help alleviate stress is key, whether that’s exercise, mindfulness, or creative hobbies.

CLICK HERE to read the full interview with Buku on Pedestrian's website, and to learn more about the Movember movement.