MISA's mission to support Moreton Bay men

It is a sobering statistic: two out of three Australian men wait too long to put their hand up when something doesn’t feel right. Driven by a fear of judgment or the societal conditioning to carry the weight solo, blokes frequently suffer in silence until life hits a crisis point.

Operating from Strathpine since 1997, the Men’s Information & Support Association (MISA) is turning the conversation around for Men’s Health Week. I sat down with Katrina Lewry, Manager of MISA, to look behind the scenes of their mission to make mental wellbeing a normal part of a man's routine.

Who does MISA help?

When it comes to understanding who MISA serves, Katrina says the doors are open to any man or boy who needs a safe harbour.

"At its core, MISA is a safe circuit-breaker for local blokes," says Katrina. "We are a specialised, male-focused counselling service. When people ask who walks through our doors, my answer is simple: whoever is brave enough to take that first step. We operate with zero judgment."

"The truth is, life doesn't care how old you are, it throws curveballs at every stage.”

On any given day, the team supports blokes from all stages of life, whether it's an 18-year-old trying to find his place in the world, a father in his 40s navigating intense relationship or parenting pressures, or a man in his 70s struggling with the isolating transition into retirement.

Ultimately, the common thread walking through their doors isn’t age; it’s simply the heavy lifting of life.

Normalising the 'mental muscle' tune-up

With Men’s Health Week focused on taking action early, MISA views mental health exactly like physical health, challenging the stigma that asking for help means you've failed.

"If you own a car, you don’t wait for the engine to explode on the highway before you get it serviced, you take it in for regular oil changes," explains Katrina.

"You go to the gym to maintain your physical muscles. Counselling is just standard maintenance for your mind. It’s about building those 'mental muscles' before the crisis hits so you’re geared up for whatever life drops on you next."

MISA provides a comfortable space where clients can feel safe to be open and be themselves. Inside their Strathpine centre, that philosophy translates into practical strategies delivered in an intentionally relaxed, low-pressure environment. Far from a sterile clinical space, the small, down-to-earth team is comprised of fully qualified, experienced counsellors who simply speak like real people.

How the Moreton Bay community can help (and get help)

Because MISA is an independent service, local support keeps their doors open. Katrina notes that everyone in Moreton Bay can play a part.

• For Families & Mates: Look for changes in their baseline "normal." Are they pulling away from hobbies, showing a shorter temper, or masking feelings with extra drinks? "If you notice it, don't ignore it," Katrina says. "Sit down with him, tell him you've noticed he seems to be carrying a heavy load, and just listen."

• For Businesses: "Mental health is an economic and workplace issue," Katrina emphasises. "We are actively looking for corporate partners and donors to sponsor counselling hours or fund our community workshops. It’s a grassroots investment directly into the health of the Moreton Bay workforce."

And for any man reading this right now who might be hesitant to take that step?

"Take a breath, look at your phone, and realise you don’t have to figure it all out today," says Katrina. 

"You just have to do one small thing. Giving yourself permission to get a tune-up or share the load might be the best thing you do for yourself, and your family, this year."

Fast facts: accessing MISA today

• No Referral Needed: "You don’t need a GP referral or a mental health care plan to see us, we’re counsellors – Just give us a call!!”

• Affordable Care: MISA charges a low $60 hourly co-payment, with free or discounted sessions available for anyone struggling to make ends meet (price current at time of printing).

• Flexible Formats: Choose between face-to-face sessions, Zoom calls, or phone chats.

Ready to connect? Reach out to MISA today for a confidential chat:

• Call: (07) 3889 7312

• Visit: www.misa.org.au