In the lead-up to Men’s Health Week, Dr Jayant Banerji said it was crucial that men had a relationship with a doctor.

“Get yourself a GP. In Bendigo, compared to three to four years ago, it is much easier now,” he said.

“It is like any other service.

“There is no harm in finding someone you like.”

Men’s Health Week in Bendigo starts on August 22.

Dr Banerji said he would discuss mental health at a public event on August 23.

“Depression changes your brain plasticity,” he said.

“If left, then it is much more difficult to treat.

“If you don’t treat it you are more likely to get depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life.”

Dr Banerji said the number of men seeking medical attention was increasing.

But he said he feared men’s health campaigns “preached to the converted”.

“Even in the past five years, more men are coming into practices,” Dr Banerji said.

“Those that come in come in, but those that don’t come in are the ones that you need to talk to.

“But if we keep putting the message out, people will start coming in.”

Dr Banerji said anyone older than 40 should see a doctor at least once a year.

“If nothing else but for blood pressure, cholesterol and a talk,” he said.

“If you are younger and if you see changes in the way you think, or people around you are noticing changes, that is when you should go in.

“Use any excuse to talk.”