Evaluation of Silence is Deadly Program for Men’s Mental Health
Introduction to the Trial
An upcoming trial aims to assess the effectiveness of an Australian self-harm intervention program known as Silence is Deadly, focusing specifically on men’s mental health. The increasing rates of teen suicide globally have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding male adolescents. Research by Slade in 2009 indicates that men are significantly less likely to seek help during times of mental distress compared to women, a trend that is notably pronounced during adolescence.
Addressing Help-Seeking Behavior
This reluctance to seek help among young men is a critical issue that mental health organizations are striving to combat. In response, high schools across Australia have implemented the Silence is Deadly trial program to enhance outreach and support for men’s mental health.
Trial Protocol Overview
A recently published trial protocol in BioMed Central details the structure of the upcoming evaluation. The trial will include eight Australian high schools, which will be divided into a proactive intervention group and a wait-list control group. Approximately 100 male students from each school will be recruited to participate, with subjects being cluster-randomized for either program enrollment or control conditions.
Screening and Participation
At-risk participants will be identified and supported according to school policies and procedures. Both the intervention and control groups will complete surveys before and after the intervention, although only students from the intervention schools will attend the Silence is Deadly program.
Objectives of the Program
The primary aim of the Silence is Deadly program is to evaluate its viability as a mental health intervention. Secondary objectives include enhancing help-seeking attitudes, reducing stigma associated with seeking help, and examining the long-term impacts of the program through follow-ups. The program features a unique structure that encourages open dialogue, facilitated by traditional male role models such as athletes and military personnel, and includes group sessions followed by question-and-answer segments.
Potential Impact on Men’s Mental Health
By focusing on gender-specific attitudes and working to eliminate the stigma surrounding help-seeking behaviors, this trial has the potential to significantly contribute to the prevention and reduction of mental health issues among young men. Researchers hope to draw greater attention to this initiative and similar programs that are currently underrepresented in Australia. Registration for the trial is open as of May 2017.
References
(1) Calear, A., Banfield, M., Batterham, P., Morse, A., Forbes, O., Carron-Arthur, B., Fisk, M. (2017). Silence is deadly: a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a mental health help-seeking intervention for young men. BioMed Central, 17(834). Retrieved from https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4845-z
(2) Slade, T., Johnston, A., Teesson, M., Whiteford, H., Burgess, P., Pirkis, J., Saw, S. (2009). The mental health of Australians 2: report on the 2007 National Survey of mental health and wellbeing. Canberra: Department of Health. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-pubs-m-mhaust2