Removing the stigma around men’s mental health

Everyday life presents us with various issues and challenges that can deeply affect our emotional wellbeing. When negative feelings disrupt our daily routines and hinder our ability to function, it’s crucial to assess our mental health.

These challenges can span from anxiety and distress to more severe conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Moreover, they can also take a toll on our physical health, potentially raising the risk of heart attacks and hypertension.

The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that anxiety and depression are more commonly reported by women than men. But men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women in Australia. 

With self-reporting of such issues lower for men, a concerted effort needs to be made to remove the stigma around men’s mental health and International Men’s Health Day on Tuesday 19 November provides the perfect opportunity for this.

Some factors that can impact our wellbeing are common across genders, such as financial stress, work stress, relationship issues, drug or alcohol use, and chronic illness, among others. But some cohorts of men are more at risk of having mental health issues, such as young or older men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, men from rural and remote communities, men who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, farmers, and men with history of mental health issues.

Expression of symptoms of mental health and coping strategies can also be different for men compared to women and evidence suggests that men tend to rely on alcohol and drugs to address their mental health challenges.

There is a longstanding stigma attached to mental health issues - whether self-stigma or social stigma - specifically among men. Diagnosis or treatment of mental health can be considered a weakness and against the concept of masculinity possibly preventing men from seeking care for their mental health issues.

Mental health is a big taboo in many countries globally, which also impacts help-seeking mental health issues across both genders. Awareness of resources or professionals is also lacking.

Mental health literacy is another important factor to consider. Literature suggests men possess lower levels of mental health literacy compared to women. If men do not know when to get concerned about their wellbeing, how to recognise the signs, when to seek help and where to seek help, they are less likely to use mental health services.

Evidence also suggests that media-based campaigns could assist in improving the help-seeking behaviour of men with mental health issues. On the other hand, many men downplay their symptoms and do not want to admit to the psychological challenges they are going through. Therefore, it's not surprising that mental health issues are not diagnosed readily for men.

Busting myths and reducing stigma on mental health issues is critical. Simply having an open conversation and listening carefully could be an important step to reduce such stigma.

Talking to someone can be helpful during distress, as they can provide new perspectives on problems that may not have been considered.

There are many self-help resources that can be accessed online. MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78) provides many useful self-help resources. Telephone or online support is also available, which can be considered if a man is uncomfortable sharing personal circumstances or thoughts with someone in person. BeyondBlue has lots of such resources.

Men's support groups could be an option to debrief, which could be set up in the community or workplaces. Men can also serve as role models for other men by leading healthy lives and asking for help when they need it.

Some activities that support our mental health include having a good sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating, spending time with loved ones, taking time for ourselves, and engaging in enjoyable activities besides work.

If we already know that we have a mental health issue, it's always important to seek professional support. Your doctor could be the first point of contact, who can refer you to professionals like counsellors, psychologists or psychiatrists. Sometimes, group therapy can make men more comfortable than one-to-one therapy. It's always good to check the preferences.

The workplace is important in supporting mental health for both men and women. Awareness raising through an event or sharing resources or prompts to check the mental health status of staff will be invaluable support.

Providing an opportunity to be trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) could be a very useful resource and investment to develop a peer support culture and avoid many undue crises. There is a 5-step action plan that is taught through this MHFA training, such as (1) A – Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis, (2) L – Listen and communicate non-judgementally, (3) G – Give support and information, (4) E– Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help, and (5) E – Encourage other supports.

Should you or a loved one be experiencing suicidal thoughts and be in imminent danger, dial triple zero (000). Dial 13 11 14 to reach Lifeline for assistance and support.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Aziz Rahman is Head of Public Health and Research Adviser, Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University Australia.