Lay summary
It is well known that men are less likely than women to seek help from primary health care, even when their health problem is serious. This might help explain why men are often underrepresented in statistics on depression and anxiety but overrepresented in suicide rates. However, this issue hasn't been thoroughly studied in New Zealand. Several factors may contribute to this disparity, including how men approach seeking help, social issues like poverty and unemployment, and challenges within the healthcare system, such as the lack of services that effectively meet men’s needs. This research will collaborate with the primary care sector to explore the challenges men face in accessing mental health care, particularly in practices serving high-needs populations. By analysing existing data, gathering insights from healthcare providers, and listening to men’s personal experiences, the project aims to identify ways to improve mental health support for men through primary care.