KIDS Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of International Men’s Health Week. Yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said males are shown to have significantly reduced help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with female, with Kids Helpline recording an average of 57 contacts daily from males in May, compared with 195 contacts from females. “Unfortunately, young males aged between 15–18 years of age are the least likely to seek mental health support due to societal stigma, often delaying seeking professional counsellor help until they are in crisis," Ms Adams said. “Many boys—though certainly not all—have trouble talking about emotions and feelings because social norms have encouraged them to conform to a masculine ideal that emphasises values like stoicism, toughness, and competitiveness. "These social dynamics have long-term implications for their mental health. "We need to twist the prism a little bit about how boys view mental health and their own emotional health.” Kids Helpline (free call 1800 55 1800) offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to open-up and connect with a free, professional, confidential 24/7 service.
