Mental health challenges affect both men and women, but there isn’t nearly as much conversation about men’s mental health. While we’ve made some progress on increasing mental health awareness, "Men with mental illnesses are less likely to seek or receive mental health treatment or diagnosis,” explains the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Societal standards make it hard for men to show vulnerability without their manliness being questioned. As a result, many men experience barriers to care and often face these issues alone.
Mental Health America attributes their reluctance to "social 'norms,’ reluctance to talk, and downplaying their symptoms." These expectations make men more likely to suppress their feelings, often translating into untreated mental disorders that worsen over time.
Eventually, these symptoms can lead to poor physical health, damaging relationships, and even resulting in suicidal tendencies. The fact is mental struggles have the tendency to spill over into every area of life when they go unnoticed.
So, how do we support men’s mental health?
While traditional models do little to accommodate societal pressures and expectations that uniquely affect men, studies show that text message-based services can support men’s mental health.
Specifically, a controlled trial on texting mental health support states that "Males who received the service for 6 weeks were in better mental health status compared to those who did not, particularly in terms of depression and anxiety symptoms."
Evidently, text messaging would be more comfortable and less intimidating than directly going to meet with a psychologist. It also allows men to seek therapy on their own terms. It negates the discomfort of having to face someone, which is often what stops them from seeking to begin with.
The approach can also open avenues for ad hoc communications, letting men talk at that instance rather than hold thoughts inside until an in-office appointment. Eventually, chipping away at the stigma that often surrounds men's mental health.
Furthermore, HIPAA compliant text messaging can create a safe, non-judgmental space where men can state their feelings openly without social repercussions. These text messages adhere to the federal regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), safeguarding protected health information (PHI) including mental health details.
Ultimately, mental health professionals can use HIPAA compliant text messages to meet men where they are, offering flexibility and discretion that can help overcome barriers to seeking care that has long plagued the field.
Go deeper: HIPAA compliant texting to support men's mental health
Yes, HIPAA compliant texts are a discreet and convenient way for men to receive mental health support, promoting regular engagement with mental health professionals.
A HIPAA compliant texting platform, like Paubox, uses encryption, secure data storage, and access controls to safeguard patients’ personal health information (PHI).
Yes, providers can use HIPAA compliant texting to send therapy reminders, helping patients stay on track with their mental healthcare and reducing the number of no-shows.