What has COVID-19 changed for men? Western Sydney University and Australian Men’s Health Forum want to know.

As a result of COVID-19, many aspects of daily economic and domestic life for men have worsened and their mental health affected uniquely. Men who are fathers, family providers, and workers in male-dominated industries are experiencing trouble adapting to different roles, including: increased caregiving responsibilities, helping their children adjust to remote learning, online work, household chores, loss of income, feeling isolated, lost, and scared due to quarantine and lockdown, separation from family, loss of independence, lack of confidence over illness status, stigma, as well as monotony—all of which play a large part in increasing men’s stress levels and pathways to suicidality.

Furthermore, the health and social imbalances experienced by men in Australia, particularly Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians, can develop severe illness in this pandemic—including smoking, unsafe sex, liquor and substance misuse, anxiety, anger, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and violence.

Due to concern and societal stigma associated with COVID-19, many men and boys in Australia will hide their mental illness and not access mental health services on time. With men’s mental health services’ increased reliance on remote/virtual service delivery and societal stigma regarding men’s mental health, only a small percentage of men are benefitting from effective support.

A research project conducted by Dr Neil Hall (WSU) and Glen Poole (AMHF) is currently looking for participants 18yrs and older to participate in an online survey and an online interview. Click here for more information and participation details.