According to RedArc, the nurse-led support organisation, men and women are equally susceptible to mental health conditions and illness. However, the organisation’s latest data shows that 59% of its mental health support is accessed by women, compared with just 41% by men.
When men do seek support, they typically engage for 25% less time than women (3 months vs. 4 months) and are 10% less likely to take up RedArc’s external support services, such as counselling or complementary and other therapies.
Men experience better outcomes
Despite this lower uptake, outcomes tell a different story: Based on PHQ-9* and GAD-7** measures, when men do engage, they report a 14% greater improvement in their scores compared to women. Nurse feedback also suggests that men are often surprised by the effectiveness of talking therapies, with many initially reluctant to engage, but ultimately describing the experience as transformative.
Christine Husbands, Commercial Consultant at RedArc, commented: “Our data reflects that men are less likely to seek help, and more inclined to bring it to an end sooner. However, when they do access support, the results are significant and overwhelmingly positive.
“‘Movember’ provides an important opportunity to remind men of the wide range of support available to them, and to highlight the real-life experiences of those who, despite perhaps having initial doubts, have seen dramatic improvements in their mental health.”
Communication must resonate with men
RedArc emphasises that communications must be delivered in a way that resonates with men. This includes sharing real-life experiences from other men and being open about the common theme of their initial reluctance to seek support. To truly connect it must also acknowledge their desire to remain ‘strong’ and ‘hold everything together’ even when they are struggling themselves.
By reducing the hurdles and barriers that leave men feeling awkward, embarrassed or ashamed about asking for help, the likelihood of them accessing vital treatment and support at the right time can be greatly improved.
In particular, many men find it difficult to open up to their loved ones. That is why having the opportunity to speak confidentially with a trusted professional outside of their immediate family and friends is invaluable. As RedArc notes, delaying access to professional support often exacerbates health conditions. Helping men to feel confident in seeking help at an early stage is therefore crucial in ensuring they receive the care they need to avoid their condition escalating.
Christine Husbands concluded: “Movember rightly highlights mental health as one of the most significant health concerns for men. It is therefore essential that we work collectively to normalise engagement with health services and ensure men receive timely support to improve outcomes.”
*PHQ-9 – Patient Health Questionnaire – a 9-question self-report questionnaire used to screen for depression and assess its severity
**GAD-7 – General Anxiety Disorder – a 7-question questionnaire for screening and measuring the severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).