Online program to help men with depression

https://goo.gl/Q9S2zE

With men more reluctant than women to seek help for depression or suicidal thoughts, the Black Dog Institute hopes an online program can help with specific coping strategies.

Developed for the institute's My Compass website, which helps people improve their mental health, the Man Central program helps men identify early warning signs of depression, monitors their moods and provides tips on how to cope.

Dr Kristine Kafer, a clinical psychologist and consultant with the institute, said men's depression tends to be hidden and isn't always picked up by traditional screening tools.

The online program was based on research carried out in 2014 that explored common risk factors for men having suicidal behaviour and how to intervene in their downward spiral.

It also identified a "tool box" of strategies men use to cope when they feel sad and ones they use to stop the "black dog" creeping up on them.

Common coping mechanisms included taking time out, doing something they enjoy, keeping busy, exercising and spending time with a pet.

To prevent depression, men liked to eat healthily, keep busy and maintain a sense of humour.

Dr Kafer said the research found ideas about masculinity and stoicism often meant many men blamed themselves and felt ashamed if they were depressed.