Roy Morgan research shows that almost 1 in 5 Aussies are downloading podcasts per month. Podcasts have been described as a ‘return to storytelling’, a throwback to pre-industrial times when narratives around a communal fire were our social means of engagement.
Men’s accessing of health information and content is changing from traditional methods to more digital resources. Podcasts are one channel that men and boys are tapping into.
Podcasting and Mental Health
Type ‘mental health podcasts’ into Google and a plethora of sites promoting a range of podcasts are delivered. The presenters of mental health podcasts can range from clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses to those with lived experience and non-tertiary qualified therapists.
There is a growing interest in podcasts which provide mental health information. A cross-sectional survey conducted by Melbourne researchers of 629 podcast listeners illustrated a few key points. The survey found that people who listened to podcasts on mental health topics held lower stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental health conditions and had higher levels of mental health understanding and knowledge.
Men’s Health, Mental Health and Podcasts
An interesting UK study sought to answer the question- ‘What do men gain from listening to men’s mental health podcast episodes?’
Nine men agreed to be interviewed and provide their thoughts on the subject which are contained below.
1. Understanding other Men’s Lived Experiences
Podcasts were seen a good medium to hear about other men’s lived experiences with mental health. One participant said (all quotes taken verbatim from the text).
“They’re approaching subjects that you and I would go ‘I really want to talk about that’ and people are actually sitting there and they’re going through the subjects, they’re going through the topics, they’re going through their own personal experiences. And you’re sitting and you’re going shit! I’ve gone through that”.
2. Facilitating Male Intimacy
Some men in the study reported how the podcast assisted them in gaining a deeper understanding with other group members in more meaningful ways,
“So people like [man 1] and [man 2], who I already knew from [their podcast], it was a way of hearing their story and hearing their human trials and tribulations and how they got to where they were so that I could get to know them better”.
3.Combating Male Isolation
The disclosure of mental health struggles on the podcast, helped some men feel closer and more connected due to shared experiences. This translated to greater connectedness between the listener and the podcast interviewee.
“I do struggle with my mental health at times, and I think that listening to the show, like I said, it helps me feel that I’m not alone in facing that and that you know I’m with part of a broader group of people who are trying to speak about it”.
4. Learning How to Seek Help
The podcasts were for some men, a resource for learning about how to seek assistance and remove barriers to help-seeking engagement.
“Do you know if I’d have… if we turned the clocks back to last year when I had my nervous breakdown… and I turned the clocks back with the knowledge I have now – I’d have spoken up; I’d have let people know, I wouldn’t have just been suffering in silence.”
5. Reflecting on a Culture of Positive Masculinity
The podcasts were a vehicle to provide discussions on healthy masculinities and some men reflected on this had a positive effect in their relationships.
“There [is such a] generosity of spirit and emotion and kindness that all the men at [the service] display. … the version of masculinity that I’ve been following is not helpful and I need to give more time to being kind, generous and more accepting of others”.
Expert Opinion: Max Loomes, Psychologist and Mental Health Researcher.
Be mindful to listen to health podcasts hosted by trained professionals with an acute understanding of mental health. Remember that anyone can start a podcast, but it’s up to the listener to be selective and sceptical.
Take what you hear and put it into practice. Be vulnerable with men you trust, ask for help when you need it, and connect with others when you can.
