Men's Mental Health
Mental ill-health remains high among Australian men, with up to 25% experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experiencing a disorder in a 12-month period.
A significant proportion of men who experienced depression at a given point in time continued to experience it or relapsed. Of those with self-reported severe depression in 2013/14, 40% still reported experiencing severe depressive symptoms in 2015/16.
Around 4% of Australian men reported that they are lonely (i.e. have no close friend). Loneliness was significantly associated with experiences of depression and suicidality among Australian men, above and beyond area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and unemployment.
Depression was the most common mental health disorder among young men and adults, steadily increasing in prevalence from age 15-17 (7%) to old age (13%).
Young men were the most likely to experience suicidal escalation over a three year period, with just under 3% of young men escalating to make a first suicide attempt in that time.
40% of men who experienced severe depression were experiencing this 2 years later.
Men who were not lonely had significantly better mental health: they were less likely to be depressed, experience anxiety or any suicidality.
Anxiety was the most common mental health disorder among boys (9%)
The reality of the situation… Only a quarter of men said they would be likely or very likely to seek help from a mental health professional if they experienced an emotional or personal problem. Almost 25% said they would not seek help from anyone. Adult men said they would be least likely to seek help from a phone helpline, with around 80% indicating they would be very unlikely or unlikely to seek help from this source. Many Australian males were not accessing professional support. While over 80% of men with depression, anxiety and/or any suicidality in the past year had seen a General Practitioner (GP), only around 40% had seen a mental health professional. Over 80% of adult men who experienced depression, anxiety or suicidality in the past 12 months had contact with a GP, however, less than half had contact with a mental health professional Source: Ten to Men; the Australian longitudinal study on male health
Many Australians continue to live with mental health challenges. Mental health is no longer the taboo topic that it once was. Everyone deserves equal access to the support channels needed to live a healthy and happy life, both at home and at work. Likewise, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure speaking openly about the challenges they’re experiencing. It’s time to further break down the stigma and acknowledge that no matter what your gender, ethnicity, or age, it’s ok to not be ok and it’s ok to ask for help when life gets you down.
BARRIERS TO CARE: 1 Hoping that the issue is not as bad as it is 2 Fear that asking for help is a sign of weakness 3 Avoiding to talk openly about your thoughts and feelings 4 Unaware of reliable sources of information 5 Delaying or avoiding asking for help
OVERCOME YOUR BARRIERS TO CARE BY: Sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted friend, family or colleague Be open and speak up - this will help to break down the stigma associated with men’s mental health Maintain a good support network around you For parents, encourage your children to speak openly about their feelings - starting from a young age can make a big difference Check in with your colleagues and friends to make sure they’re ok by asking “Are You OK” and reassuring them that you’re also a source of support and care
At Drake WorkWise, we are here for you. We understand that it’s not always easy to overcome barriers to care and acknowledge that you may need help. It can be difficult to take that first step and reach out to a professional. Our services are entirely confidential and available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take that first step and contact a member of our team. Today is the day to make positive changes in your life and work towards a brighter future.
www.drakeworkwise.com.au 1300 135 600