November is Men’s Mental Health Month. While there has been progress in the past few years to de-stigmatize male mental health, alarming statistics indicate that much more needs to be done.
- In England, one in eight men has struggled with mental health.
- According to NHS data, men are less likely than women to seek mental health help.
- In the United Kingdom, suicide is the leading cause of death among men.
- Three of four men who commit suicide are male.
Bertrand Stern Gillet, CEO of Health Assured, says: “Boys are taught from a young age that showing emotion is weak, creating a cultural environment where men feel like they have to hide their vulnerabilities. Men are influenced by phrases like “man up,” boys don’t cry,” and “toughen yourself up.”
These societal expectations may make it hard for men to get help if they have mental health problems. This can lead to serious issues such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress and suicidal feelings.
It can be hard to recognize the symptoms of mental illness, as every person will have a unique combination of symptoms. It’s important to remember that emotional resilience is not the same as physical strength.
“A man who appears to be strong on the outside may be hiding deep mental struggles.” We must stop believing that strength is only physical, and recognize the courage required to show vulnerability.
The symptoms of poor mental well-being can be subtle and not immediately apparent. Common signs include avoiding socialising, changing eating and sleeping habits, or being quiet on social media. Men with mental health issues often experience anger, irritation and frustration. These emotions can be interpreted as a lack of patience, rather than a desire to learn about the underlying issue. Statistics show that men who are struggling with their mental health tend to use substances or turn to other methods.
To improve men’s long-term mental health, we must continue to challenge the stigma attached to men who openly express their emotions. “Reaching out for help does not signify weakness. It is a strength.”
Enacting meaningful change
How can leaders help to bring about meaningful change in the area of male mental health? The first step is to remove the stigma. Empathy and leading by example are two effective ways to accomplish this.
1. Normalising mental health conversations
It is important to create safe spaces for male employees to discuss mental health issues with their managers. This is achieved by creating a non-judgemental and empathetic work environment. When other leaders share their experiences, they can inspire others to speak up.
2. Suicide Prevention Programs
Men face unique risks, and programs for suicide prevention should address these. These programs could provide education about the warning signs and symptoms of suicide, crisis intervention services, or promote help-seeking behaviors. Workplaces, community organisations and healthcare providers must work together to provide men with crisis support.
3. Promoting Work-Life balance
Stress at work is a major contributor to mental health problems in men. Employers can promote mental health by providing flexible schedules, encouraging their employees to take mental-health days, and offering resources for stress management. Companies can reduce employee burnout by creating an environment that prioritizes wellbeing.
4. Men-Friendly Resources
Men’s mental health services should be tailored to their unique needs. It could be offered in non-traditional environments such as outdoors, through group activities or fitness programs with mental health support. In addition, increasing the number male therapists or counsellors will help men to feel better understood and supported on their mental health journey.
5. Challenging Gender Stereotypes:
To improve men’s mental wellbeing, it is important to challenge harmful gender stereotypes. We can encourage men to express their emotions by promoting positive masculinity models that promote emotional intelligence, self-care and empathy.
The original version of this post Men’s Mental Health Awareness: There is still more work to do to reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health appeared first on HR News.
