Men across Australia are being invited to tune in to a powerful new podcast series, which explores men's mental health through real, honest conversations.
Developed by University of Newcastle researchers, the Better Left Said podcast aims to break some of the challenges men face around mental health, including stigma, social isolation, and services that weren't designed to meet their needs.
Nearly one in five Australian men live with a diagnosed mental health disorder* each year, yet current estimates show 63 per cent of men with self-reported mental health disorders don't seek out professional help*. Men also tend to delay seeking help until symptoms become more severe, especially for mental and emotional issues, compared to women.**
Early evidence shows that men's mental health podcasts can offer emotional validation, increase self-awareness, and create a sense of community by providing relatable stories and practical coping strategies.
Associate Professor Myles Young, of the University's School of Psychological Sciences and HMRI's Active Living and Learning Program, and PhD candidate Mrs Liz Dascombe, are conducting a pilot trial to determine whether this podcast approach is practical, acceptable and helpful to men, and to identify any barriers to use.
Over 10 weeks, participants will listen to the Better Left Said series, which covers topics including practical mental health tools, how to help a mate who is having a tough time, and what to expect when you visit the GP. The series also includes personal stories of hope and recovery from men with lived experience, including Aussie cricketing legend Brad Hogg.
The study is recruiting men aged 18 to 70 years who have a recent experience of low mood, worry or stress, with access to a smart device or computer. Participants will be asked to share their feedback by completing two assessments online and a brief survey at the halfway check-in.
