Pandemic pushes up men’s anxiety levels, says Converge International survey

Ongoing stress and anxiety for men has jumped 24 per cent throughout 2020, and is worsening as the year wears on, a new study shows.

Public servant Brett Martin has struggled with increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Picture: John Feder

Ongoing stress and anxiety for men has jumped 24 per cent throughout 2020, and is worsening as the year wears on, a new study shows.

The research also reveals the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a 74 per cent spike in men experiencing loss of confidence, a 67 per cent increase in uncertainty and a 48 per cent rise in money worries.

The data, from workplace mental health organisation Converge International and based on a survey of more than 14,000 Australian men, finds one in five Australian men report ongoing stress and anxiety.

Stress has increased in each quarter of 2020, growing from 12 per cent in the March quarter to nearly 16 per cent in the September quarter. Depressive illness has also grown from 4 per cent to 6 per cent in the same time.

“A lot of the mental health problems men are experiencing are related to the ongoing social effects of the global pandemic,” Converge International chief executive Jenny George said. “We know there is a link ­between protracted and elevated anxiety to more serious depressive illness.”

“We know there is a link ­between protracted and elevated anxiety to more serious depressive illness.

“We are seeing this reflected in our data and in counselling sessions across Australia.”

The study came as the Morrison government committed $10m to a new mental health campaign, “How’s your head today?”, which will encourage people to check in on their own feelings and if necessary seek help.

National Mental Health Commission chief executive Christine Morgan said the mental health challenge was ongoing.

“Everyone has and may continue to have their mental health and wellbeing impacted by the pandemic,” Ms Morgan said.

“Whether you have an existing mental illness or have had your mental health challenged, it is important to seek support and treatment as a priority for your overall wellbeing — the support and treatment is available,” Ms Morgan said.

Sydney public servant and ­father of two Brett Martin said the changes wrought by COVID-19 had led to his stress increasing during the year.

“There was rapid change and uncertainty in my life and my family’s routine, that I had to get used to” Mr Martin said.

“We’ve all gone through such disruption of routine, and uncertainty, and that’s been the case for myself and my family.”

Mr Martin said working from home had thrown him. “I had access to my fridge a lot more, and I went through a phase of not exercising. I felt like I’d lost energy and strength,” he said.

Mr Martin hit the reset button, and got back on the bike, in his case a mountain bike.

“I was doing it before all this, but now it has become a lot more important to me,” he said. “I’m also riding with a mate so there’s the social aspect as well, which is important.”

Dr George said the disruption of routine had been a deeper issue than many suspected, but it had also meant people reassessing what was important in their lives.

“People have come to realise the importance of things like emotionally separating work and home, which is what the commute used to do,” she said.

“Access to exercise, particularly when it is done in nature, turns out to be really important for mental health.”