SYDNEY, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- An Australian institute has developed an online program to help more men combat depression and suicidal thoughts.
Sydney-based Black Dog Institute has devised the online program known as "Man Central" that specifically helps men suffering from depression, the Australian Associated Press reported on Thursday.
Developed for the institute's My Compass website, the program helps men identify early signs of depression, monitors their moods and provides them with tips on how to cope with the illness.
Dr Kristine Kafer, a clinical psychologist and consultant with the institute, said men's depression tends to be hidden and is not always picked up by traditional screening tools.
The online program was based on a research carried out in 2014 that explored common risk factors for men having suicidal behavior and how to intervene in their downward spiral.
Common coping strategies include taking time out, doing something they enjoy, keeping busy, exercising and spending time with a pet.
To prevent depression, men were more likely to eat healthily, keep busy and maintain a sense of humour.
Kafer said the research found ideas about masculinity and stoicism often meant that many men blamed themselves and felt ashamed if they were depressed.
They were reluctant to ask for help, believing they should be able to cope alone.
Kafer says what happens is that many men withdraw and sometimes overwork, take drugs and alcohol to cope.
Kafer said the "Man Central" program aims to identify if a man is heading towards depression.
"It teaches really helpful skills about being in tune and monitoring early warning signs and what to do about that," Kafer said.
A four-week trial of the program among 215 men in 2015 found that more than half learnt the skills needed to deal with problems that might arise in the future or felt more in control of their moods.
The men also reported reductions in symptoms of depression and improvements in work and social functioning after using the program.
