Factors that influence Irish men to seek help for depression

Suicide rates in Irish men are among the highest worldwide, yet statistically, women consistently show higher rates of depression. This presents a complex predicament: If women are showing higher rates of depression, why is it that men are showing higher rates of suicide? One suggestion is that men are not reporting depression or seeking help. There is a limited amount of research that focuses on this area, with a particularly conspicuous absence of qualitative research. This study aims to investigate the influencing factors that may prevent men from seeking help for depression. One-to-one interviews were conducted using flexible, open-ended questions to gain an in-depth insight into the participants’ attitudes towards depression and seeking support and treatment. 8 men from various backgrounds took part in the study. Thematic analysis was used to identify four main themes in the data: (i) Childhood and Learning, (ii) The Impact of Irish Culture, (iii) Attitudes Towards Supports and Treatments, and (iv) Masculinity. Education, family, friends, Irish culture, mental healthcare, traditional views of masculinity, and the roles they all play in men’s mental health are all discussed with recommendations and implications given for each