Amy Tam, Content Development Intern, is writing a series of
posts for the ReachOut Pro blog that explore current trends in
technology and online behaviour. Her fields of studies are in
Psychology, Social Work, and Studio Art.
"Because you can't see it, it's not real. Unless I'm in physical
pain, there's no reason to seek help" (Young Person). This phrase
is a commonality for how most men portray mental health. For young
men, mental health does not exist because it is something that can
be fixed through physical activities and avoidance of the
problem.
On Monday, June 6th,
Inspire held an event featuring Conor Ashleigh's journey in
documenting the lives of young men living in Western Australia. His
photographs portrayed the hardship young men had to go through in
order to maintain their lifestyle. During the event, Kris, a youth
ambassador from Inspire, shared a story about a game that he used
to play with his classmates called "If you can't see it, it won't
hurt me." Kris relates this game to the mentality of how most men
portray seeking help for mental health issues. Since mental health
isn't something that you can physically see or notice, most people
go through their lives unaware of their mental health
problems.
Health data from several countries reveal that men generally die
earlier than women and engage in more risky healthy behaviors
(Boman & Walker, 2011). One reason is that "masculine norms are
constructed in a way that is incongruent with health promoting
behaviors and beliefs" (Boman & Walker, 2011). Masculinity is
defined as "an identity based on risk-taking" (Nader, 2005).
Therefore, most men are not seen as "masculine" if they do not
partake in dangerous activities that reveal this part of their
identity.
Most men avoid asking for help even if they are lost or physically
ill. Researchers have discovered that men across all cultures are
less inclined than women to seek medical help (Boman & Walker,
2010). Men of all ages and ethnicities are more likely to have gone
longer without contact with a physician than females in the U.S.
(Husaini, Moore, & Cain, 1994; Neighbors & Howard, 1987).
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners,
Australian men access health services at lower rates than women,
and in the course of their illness, they are more likely to
discontinue their treatment early (Boman & Walker, 2010).
The use of technology provides a supplement for people who are
resistant to seeking help, and it does not replace face to face
therapy (Anthony et. Al, 2010). It offers anonymity for people,
which makes the Internet a way for people who normally do not seek
help to seek help (Anthony et. Al, 2010). In addition, the Internet
can be used as a tool for self, assisted therapy, and for
self-education (Anthony et. Al, 2010). These alternatives offered
from the Internet provide a sense of equality and reduce the
stereotype attached to traditional approaches to mental health
concerns (Anthony et. Al, 2010).
References:
Anthony, K. (2010). The uses of technology in mental health:
applications, ethics, and practice. Retrieved from
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/the-use-of-technology-in-mental-health-applications-ethics-and-practice/
Boman, E. K. & Walker, G. A. (2010). Predictors of men's
healthcare utilization. Retrieved from
http://www.mensinteragency.com/pdf%20files/Mens%20health%20for%20asr.pdf
Boman, E. & Walker, G. (2011). Masculinity and health: a cross
cultural comparison. Retrieved from
http://ahsri.uow.edu.au/ahoc/conferences/2008/posters/bowman_walker_post.pdf
Nader, C. (2005). Masculinity a health hazard. Retrieved from
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/masculinity-a-health-
hazard/2005/10/11/1128796526563.html