Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health
Men are dying four and half years earlier than women due to suicide, testicular cancer and prostate cancer. We know men don’t tend to go for support around their mental, or physical health until they reach a crisis point, and sometimes this can be too late.
Globally, one man dies by suicide every minute, and in the UK 75% of suicides are by men. There is also an increased risk in men aged 45-49. This period in a man’s life can come with additional pressures including: providing for a family, work, changes in relationships, and strains on finances.
We know men don’t often reach out for support due to existing gender stereotypes. Men are seen to be strong, providers, protectors and breadwinners. They don’t want to come across as weak or unable to do their jobs, or unable to support their family. They also don’t want to be a burden to family or friends. Men’s social networks are also very different to women’s. Social interactions tend to be more topic-focused and are often transactional. Due to all of these factors, feelings and emotions tend to be kept in and bottled up.
One of the biggest misconceptions about men’s mental health is that they don’t want to talk about it. Once they open up, men can often find a weight has lifted. Many men have been holding in emotions and worries for years up until the point they open up, so it can be a huge relief.
It is important for men to become more self-aware around their emotions, what works for their wellbeing and potential trigger points. What stress reduction methods really work for you? (exercise, sport or creativity), what are your daily wellbeing non-negotiable? (I will take a walk, I will keep a good sleep routine) and what are your boundaries? (I am not working past 7pm, or reading emails on the weekend). If workplaces have a more open culture around mental health, employees feel more open to having honest conversations.
Workplaces can build a culture that supports men’s mental health by upskilling their employees with mental health awareness training, training mental health first aiders and providing routes to mental health support. Signposting also needs to include male-specific support that is tailored for maximum impact. In addition to this, there needs to be a whole workplace approach to mental health. Training should not be used as a tick-box exercise. Mental Health First Aiders need to be trained at different levels of the organisation, so there is always someone employees feel comfortable going to.
Male role models in the workplace around mental health and self-care can also be extremely powerful. Those who share stories, can be vulnerable about real life and can model good self-care practices, can have a huge positive impact on psychological safety and workplace culture. Workplaces must also address wellbeing across the full journey through the workplace, from recruitment to exit or retirement. New generations coming into the workplace are more knowledgeable around wellbeing, and want to know how organisations are going to look after them. Employees are also leaving organisations if that workplace does not meet their mental health needs.
There is support available around men’s mental health from many sources. Andy’s Man Club has over 200 locations across the UK, there is nationally available mental health crisis support on 111 option 2, and you can text SHOUT to 85258 if you would rather message or call the Samaritan on 116 123 who are available 24/7.
After reading this article, please consider techniques that work for you in looking after your own mental health, and look out for all those men around you too.
If you are interested in training or guidance around men’s mental health within your organisation, do get in touch.
Claire Harris
Founder and Lead Trainer
Promote Mental Health
claire@promotementalhealth.com
Watch our recent session on Men’s Mental Health below