Introduction
Depression affects both men and women, but quite often what they experience and how they respond is different.
Lack of understanding and misconceptions about depression contribute to the stigma associated with the condition. Depression and anxiety can be as serious, debilitating and life-threatening as any physical illness - yet less than half of those experiencing depression seek help.
Studies suggest that men are at greater risk of their depression going unrecognised and untreated than women. This is related to several factors. Men may become aware of the physical symptoms of depression, such as feeling tired or losing weight, or become irritable or angry, rather than acknowledging feeling sad or depressed. It's common for men to use alcohol to mask the stress, though this in the end makes things worse.
Men are less likely than women to seek help for their health problems. Perhaps this is part of the male image of self-reliance: 'take charge', 'I can cope'. In addition, men are not very good at seeking out friends for support, or going to the doctor for professional help. When men do visit their GP, they generally have short consultations, it's later in the course of the illness, and there is a tendency to not address significant health issues. All this means that men tend to be slow to acknowledge depression. Instead, they may be inclined to use unhelpful coping mechanisms such as increased drinking, working later and staying out rather than going home.
On this page:
Programs and projects
Improving awareness of depression and anxiety amongst men is a key priority for beyondblue. Many of beyondblue's programs and services include a significant focus on the particular needs of men. These include:
beyondblue National Workplace Program
beyondblue National Professional Sports Program
beyondblue info line
Don't Beat About the Bush! - beyondblue's National Drought Campaign
Taking care of yourself after retrenchment or financial loss
beyond maturityblues
National Men's Shed Project
beyondblue is promoting awareness of depression and anxiety through community-based men's sheds. beyondblue has developed a Men's Shed Kit, which includes:
- information about the signs and symptoms of depression, how to find out if you have it, how to get help for you or one of your mates
- a DVD with country men talking about their experiences and what worked for them
- a wallet card with useful help line numbers and websites
- a self-help book Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family by John Ashfield
beyondblue encourages all community-based Men's Sheds to order a free Shed Kit either online or by calling the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.
Depression Awareness Training
beyondblue has also developed Depression Awareness Training for Men's Shed leaders and facilitators. The training aims to:
- Increase awareness of depression and anxiety; and
- Increase the confidence of shed leaders and facilitators to approach someone about whom they may be concerned.
The three hour workshop is presented in an interactive style by a beyondblue accredited trainer. The workshop focuses on depression in men and what men's sheds can do to assist. It provides information via DVD presentations and group activity and discussion.
Representatives from a number of sheds are invited to join together to host the Depression Awareness Training. The workshop is available free of charge to all shed leaders and facilitators. Sheds are asked to organise:
- a venue for the workshop (ideally a shed)
- audio visual equipment
- invitations to shed leaders and facilitators to attend the workshop (up to 25 participants)
- morning tea and lunch for participants.
If you are interested in hosting a Depression Awareness Training workshop contact:
Carolyn Salmon, beyondblue
(03) 9810 6100
bb@beyondblue.org.au
Indigenous Men's Shed/Spaces Pilot Project
Mibbinbah (the men's place) is an initiative developed by the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health with support from beyondblue. The program is being implemented in sevens locations, and involves training Aboriginal men as Project Associates to research:
- the key characteristics of Indigenous Men's Sheds/Spaces
- the ability of the Men's Sheds/Spaces to work with a range of chronic illness issues, in particular depression.
More information on the project is available from: http://www.mibbinbah.org
COTA beyond maturityblues sessions for men
In association with beyondblue, Councils on the Ageing (COTAs) in every State and Territory conduct free community education sessions for older people on the topic of depression and anxiety. The sessions are delivered by older volunteers who are trained to speak to other older people in the community about depression. Sessions are available that specifically address depression in older men.
The primary message of the program is that 'depression is not a normal part of ageing'. It aims to increase awareness and understanding of depression in older people, present strategies to minimise the risk of depression, increase knowledge of available community services and supports, and provide information on the link between good general health and mental health in older people. It also presents ways of discussing issues related to physical and mental health with health professionals.
To book a free beyond maturityblues education session for your community group, contact the COTA in your State or Territory.
- COTA ACT - (02) 6282 3777
- COTA SA - (08) 8232 0422
- COTA WA - (08) 9321 2133
- COTA TAS - (03) 6228 1897
- COTA NT - (08) 8941 1004
- COTA VIC - (03) 9654 4443
- COTA NSW - (02) 92863860
- COTA QLD - (07) 3316 2999
Prostate cancer phone support groups
beyondblue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia are jointly funding the Cancer Council Victoria and MensLine Australia, to provide telephone support groups for men with prostate cancer and their carers.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. This new initiative is an opportunity for men with prostate cancer and their family to share experiences and coping strategies.
Groups are available in Victoria for:
- Men with advanced prostate cancer
- Younger men with prostate cancer
- Family and friends of someone with prostate cancer.
Each group will comprise 6-8 people and will be delivered via teleconference. It's just like a normal phone call, except that you're linked up to and will hear from several people. People can participate from the privacy of home or from their workplace.
Groups are professionally facilitated and meet weekly for one hour over six weeks. All information shared is confidential.
If you'd like to be part of one of these groups, or find out more, call 13 11 20 (cost of a local call in Victoria)* or email csg@cancervic.org.au
*If you're an interstate caller and would like to participate, call (03) 9635 5000 and ask to be transferred to the Cancer Council Helpline. A cancer nurse will ask for your contact details. When the group is ready to begin, the group facilitator will return your call and link you in to the group.
Men's health partners
The Movember Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia, dedicated to:
- funding research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer
- raising awareness about prostate cancer
- providing support, information and advocacy to men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
To maintain the momentum that has been generated in the area of prostate cancer research, PCFA is committed to funding new projects on an annual basis. Additional information on PCFA's research program is available at: http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/PCFA-Funded-Research.html. Awareness and support is provided through over 80 support groups nationally, Men's Health Ambassador Speakers, volunteers and staff in four state offices.
Foundation 49
Andrology Australia
Continence Foundation
TransHelp Foundation
Australian Men's Sheds Association
M5 Project
Currently, 5 men die every hour in Australia from potentially preventable illnesses. This has to stop!
The M5 Project is a bold movement that uses the number 'five' to break down the barriers that prevent Australian men from going to a GP, and ultimately, save men's lives.
The M5 Project is being managed by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as their GPs are at the forefront of dealing with men's health issues every day. M5 draws together a diverse group of organisations all focused on ensuring men live long and rich lives.
We can all help to protect the health and wellbeing of the men in our lives. To find out more, visit www.m5project.com.au.
Information and resources
All beyondblue's information materials are available to order from the Order Form or by calling the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.
News and media
Guidelines
beyondblue partnered with Andrology Australia to develop a GP Summary Guide on Engaging Men in Primary Care Settings. This guide is available from:
Research
beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence Projects
