Reconceptualising approaches to men's mental health and suicidality

Black Dog Institute's recent Expert Insights session explored how masculinity impacts men's mental health concerns and the importance of considering masculinity when approaching treatment. The session was moderated by Dr. Sarah Barker, a Clinical Psychologist, and included panellists:

• Dr. Zac Seidler, Senior Research Fellow at Orygen – University of Melbourne, Director of Mental Health Training at Movember, Honorary Research Fellow at Black Dog Institute, Clinical Psychologist
• Anna Ricciardello, Clinical Psychologist
• Chris, a lived experience representative.

In the session, the panellists discussed a multitude of considerations for mental health professionals supporting male clients. Some key discussion points included:

• What contributes to mental ill-health and suicidal distress amongst men. Zac, Anna and Chris each shared their perspectives on contributors, including masculinity, stoicism, situational stressors, loneliness and the cultural expectations placed on men (e.g needing to provide for a family).

• Masculinity, relationship breakdown and shifting between social roles. The panel emphasised the importance of having a robust social scaffold in addition to their partners, and discussed how shifting between social roles (e.g. being a mate, a dad or a partner) can impact men.

• The barriers men face accessing treatment. Panel members discussed problems with traditional therapy spaces, for instance, limiting movement and requiring high levels of eye contact. All panel members detailed the importance of building rapport and how adjusting therapeutic style or setting can make men more comfortable.

• Gender differences in how depression or distress are measured. Zac explained that gender differences are normally seen in traditional measures of distress. However, these differences are less evident when using scales such as the 'Male Depression Risk Scale' that includes alternate expressions of distress (e.g. substance use, anger, risk taking, etc).

• The importance of creating a space to listen and validate clients. Chris described his lived experience of feeling heard by a mental health professional, "He listened to me, heard what I was saying”. Panellists reflected on how important building rapport and getting to know clients is as people. Zac described that reducing angst in therapy is key, “They got in the door so mould around them”.

Many topics in this session are covered in the professional training ‘Men in Mind’. It is a world-first, online program that aims to increase therapists’ skills and confidence to engage, connect with, and respond more effectively to male clients. Men in Mind’s randomised control trial is now complete with promising results.