It’s Men’s Health Week, and we know that mental health is health.
A few years ago, I wrote about practical ways GPs can better support men in mental distress. You can still read that article here, and many of those tips still hold up. But lately, we’ve had more conversations in clinic about how some tools just don’t reflect how distress shows up for many men.
This update introduces an evidence-based tool you might not have come across, the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS-22). The MDRS-22expands on ways to bridge the gap between what men experience and how they’re screened and supported.
Why standard screening tools sometimes fall short
Tools like the DASS-21 and K10 are widely used and helpful, but they can miss things. Irritability, risk-taking, substance use, avoidance, and even anger can all be symptoms of depression in men. These symptoms might not fit the typical criteria, and they often get overlooked or misinterpreted.
That’s where the MDRS-22 comes in. It was designed to capture externalising symptoms more commonly reported by men, including:
- Anger and aggression
- Risk-taking behaviour
- Substance misuse
- Emotional suppression
- Self-criticism and isolation
It’s not a replacement for standard tools, but it’s a useful complement.
What to ask beyond the forms
If you’re seeing a male patient and something feels off but they’re scoring low on the DASS-21 or K10, consider gently exploring:
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Increased conflict in relationships
- Substance use or self-medication
- Work stress or a sense of purposelessness
- Social withdrawal or increased irritability
You might also ask, “How are things at home?” or “What’s helping you cope right now?” These questions can open the door without putting someone on the defensive.
Language matters
Terms like “depression” and “trauma” can feel loaded. You might get more traction with phrases like:
- “It sounds like things have been really hard lately.”
- “Some people tell me they feel stuck, on edge, or just flat. Does that sound familiar?”
- “It’s okay not to feel okay. You’re not the only one who finds this hard.”
It may also help to frame therapy or support as practical and proactive. Men are often more willing to engage if it feels like a collaborative effort to solve problems, not a deep dive into emotions they’re not ready to share.
Referrals and treatment options that engage men
Many of the male clients we work with feel more comfortable when therapy feels structured and goal-oriented. At The Therapy Hub, we often draw on:
- CBT and ACT for working with thinking patterns and emotional regulation
- EMDR for men who may not use the word “trauma” but have distressing life experiences
- Walk-and-talk sessions to reduce the intensity of face-to-face therapy
- Couples and family sessions, particularly when the issue shows up in relationships but the help-seeking starts elsewhere
Encourage your male patients to view therapy as a space to regroup and get unstuck, not a sign that something is broken.
Early intervention starts with you
According to Beyond Blue, an average of 7 men die by suicide every day in Australia. It remains the leading cause of death for men under 45. And yet many only seek help once they’re in crisis.
Mental Health First Aid training continues to be a key part of prevention. MHFA teaches people how to notice the early signs and respond with care. We offer MHFA training through The Therapy Hub to workplaces and community groups wanting to make early support more accessible.
In summary
- Men may present differently when in psychological distress
- Traditional tools are helpful, but incomplete
- The MDRS-22 can highlight symptoms that are often missed
- Language, setting, and therapeutic approach all matter
- Early conversations make a difference
If you’re seeing male patients who seem withdrawn, irritable, or just not themselves, trust your clinical instincts even if the paperwork doesn’t tell the whole story.
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