Identifying and addressing barriers to men seeking help for depression

Men are more reluctant than women to seek help for mood and mental health disorders. A literature search was carried out to identify barriers to help-seeking behaviour in men, the strategies they use that delay looking for assistance and the impact professionals' perceptions can have when men do seek assistance. Gender ideology and the associated beliefs men hold is the dominant barrier influencing help-seeking behaviour. Men often adopt an approach that delays the help-seeking process. Understanding this can provide an insight into the strategies often adopted by men in preference to seeking help from professionals. There is also unfortunately prevailing negativity in the perceptions of health care professionals that may have an impact on men accessing help. The article expands on these points and discusses how to apply current and evidence-based knowledge into practice.