Men's use of positive strategies for preventing and managing depression: A qualitative investigation

- We examine men's use of positive strategies to prevent and manage depression.
- Men's favoured strategies did not differ according to experiences with depression.
- Men used different positive strategies, depending on mood or problem severity.
- Men are open to using strategies that work, even non-traditionally 'masculine' ones.
- Men emphasise routine, having a plan and talking about problems.

BackgroundOne in eight men experience depression and men account for 75% of suicides. Previous research has focused on men's reluctance to seek help and use of unhelpful coping strategies.MethodThematic analysis was used on transcripts from 21 focus groups and 24 in-depth interviews focused on positive strategies men use to prevent and manage depression.ResultsIn total, 168 men were recruited and the majority (63%) reported no current depression. Four major themes were identified, where men: (1) used a broad variety of positive strategies and made clear distinctions between prevention and management, (2) used strategies that were “typically masculine”, as well as challenged expectations of manliness, (3) felt powerless in the face of suicide, and (4) had accumulated wisdom they felt was beneficial for others. Men specifically advised others to talk about problems. Prevention relied upon regular routines for “balance”, while management relied upon “having a plan”.LimitationsThe majority of the men were aged over 55 years and highly educated. Younger men or those without tertiary education may favour different strategies.ConclusionsIn contrast to using only unhelpful strategies, the men used a broad range of positive strategies and adapted their use depending on mood, symptom or problem severity. Use of positive strategies was sophisticated, nuanced, and often underlined by a guiding philosophy. Rather than simply reacting to problems, men actively engaged in preventing the development of depressed moods, and made conscious choices about when or how to take action. Clinical and public health implications are discussed.