Never Forget Your Mental Health
Here are some frightening stats for you…
50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice.
37% of UK men admit to actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners.
30% of men said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
As a leader in business, a husband, son, brother and friend, I have experienced some of these loved ones in my life who have struggled or are struggling with their mental health. I felt it was important to promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being for the male figures in my life and for anyone reading this right now who might be struggling.
Being part of a safe community is vital, especially at work. For key sectors - transport and logistics, retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, health and more – it means even more time away from home with the added pressures that brings, financial strain, relationship issues, but also loneliness for many. With all the additional pressure, it's easy to reach the point of burnout. I myself have felt immense stress and have struggled at times with how to process that.
You might think men would be more inclined to be a little more open if they felt things weren't quite right internally.
But even today, four in five suicides are committed by men, making suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35. That is one terrifying statistic. Luckily, 43% of working men are urging their employers to provide greater mental health support.
Breaking the taboo
The problem is that men's mental health remains a significant taboo. Societal expectations and traditional views of masculinity often discourage men from seeking help. Unfortunately, men are less likely to pursue treatment, potentially due to stigma and fear of judgment. They may feel pressured to endure their distress silently, leading to "hidden distress" that is not reflected in mental health statistics. Expectations associated with ‘Traditional Masculinity’, that men should be strong, dominant, and self-sufficient, can make it difficult to acknowledge struggles and ask for help.
At work, everyone's beliefs and values must be respected. Poor mental health isn’t always an illness, such as depression; it can simply reflect a change in behaviour resulting from something occurring beneath the surface. Recognising colleagues and peers showing inappropriate behaviours, such as bullying, neglecting requests for support, or employing offensive and prejudiced language, is essential. These issues can have serious consequences for men if left unaddressed.
Whether you’re a man seeking support, a healthcare professional, or someone wanting to understand more about how to assist the men in your life, a charity called Mates in Mind has created a range of free resources to help workplaces raise awareness and drive meaningful change in breaking this taboo. It’s an exceptionally helpful site that encourages men to access and take significant steps towards a workplace culture that prioritises mental wellbeing.
So, from a man to any men reading this right now, know there is nothing to be ashamed of, go and talk to someone!
Have a great weekend and thank you for reading.
#matesinmind
#mensmentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness
#timetotalk
#managedbyera
