It’s Men’s Mental Health Month

It's Men's Mental Health Month

Did you know that this month is men's mental health month? It is a time to improve men's mental health awareness. Especially as men's mental health awareness and issues often go undiscussed. As a result, men need to focus on their own mental health awareness. We hope with it being men's mental month, those struggling with mental health issues will have the courage to speak out and do something about it.

Men's mental health month is about the importance of men feeling OK to speak up about their mental health. In addition, it is about accepting support where it is available.

During this month, we think it is vital to highlight some staggering statistics for you to consider. 

• Figures show that just over three out of four suicides (76%) are by men. (ONS)
• Suicide is the highest cause of death for men under the age of 35 years old. (ONS)
• In the UK, 12.5% of men are suffering from a common mental health disorder.
• Men are more likely to use and even die from using illegal drugs. 
• The levels of alcohol dependency amongst men are nearly three times greater than women. (Health and Social Care Information Centre)
• Men are more likely to use or die from illegal drugs.
• Accessing psychological therapies by men is much less than women.

Why is men's mental health important?

With rising figures for poor men's mental health, we must use this mental health month to raise mental health awareness as much as possible. After all, getting an accurate diagnosis and following it up with treatment is essential. In addition, left untreated mental health issues can significantly increase high-risk behaviours. Some of these are substance abuse, gambling and other forms of addictions. In addition, unresolved mental and emotional issues can also sabotage a man's ability to function within his family and society as a whole fully. 

So Why do Many Men Not Seek Help

To encourage men to open up and talk about their mental health can be difficult. Often men see mental health problems as a sign of weakness and address them as a sign of weakness. As a result, many are reluctant to open up to their partners or even their doctors. 

Furthermore, after all, there are societal expectations about what masculinity is and how they should behave. Most importantly, words like "Man Up" and "Pull Yourself Together" continue to be used to the detriment of men seeking support. This "man up" attitude is proving to be dangerous for addressing rising figures of poor mental health. 

In addition, many men feel they must maintain traditional masculine traits. Examples of these are: 

• Control
• Stoicism
• Strength
• Dominance

Everyone in the workplace and outside work must play their part to help put a stop to this culture. Instead, we should be encouraging them to address their issues more and seek the support they need when they need it. 

Accessing Support for Men's Mental Health

In the UK, there are many organisations and charities that support men who are struggling with mental health issues. Here are just a few for you:

• Turn2Us Counselling Service - Should you be concerned about your mental health, our team of mental health experts are here to support you.

• Men's Health Forum – https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/
• CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – https://www.thecalmzone.net/
• Men's Sheds UK – Support for Lonely Older Men – https://menssheds.org.uk/
• Movember -Supporting Men's Health – https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
• Father's Reaching Out, Father's Mental Health – https://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/

If you are worried about someone else, we are also here to help, or you could contact professionals like the one's mentioned above. Most importantly, you will be offered guidance on how best to approach the conversation with someone about their mental health.

Together, we can make a massive difference by talking openly and beating the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Let's use men's mental health month to increase mental health awareness.

If you want to make sure you are doing everything you can in the workplace to tackle mental health awareness, we are offering a free initial mental health survey. In addition, we can train members of staff in Mental Health 1st Aid. This is a must for any organisation.

Let's use this month to make a real difference. For example, openly talking about mental health and beating the stigma surrounding mental health.