Lucy Pilliner, Business Manager at Katherine Harriet Ltd looks at Men’s Mental Health
As a predominantly female company we also need to be aware of our male workers and how Health in general and Mental Health may affect them.
Even before the pandemic, men’s health was a cause for concern. There is a grave disparity in the high number of men who die from suicide and the small number of men who seek treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It’s never been more important for us all to talk.
In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Last updated: 1 October 2021
As with many mental health statistics, it’s hard to know if the figures really represent what is happening. They can only tell us about mental health problems that have been reported – many cases may go undiagnosed. This may be especially true when it comes to men’s mental health.
There are other signs that might give us a better picture of the state of men’s mental health:
- Three times as many men as women die by suicide.
- Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
- Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government’s national wellbeing survey.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
Stress
On average, 191,000 men a year report stress, depression or anxiety caused or made worse by work – an average of 1.2% of men in work over a 12 months period. This compares to an average of 261,000 women over the same period – 1.8% of those in work
How can we help
If you’re concerned about a friend or relative or colleague, there are things you can do to help them.
- Let them know you’re there to listen to them without judgement.
- Someone who is experiencing mental health problems may find it hard to reach out, so try to stay connected. A text message or a phone call could make a significant difference.
- Find out about local services such as talking therapy or support groups. See if there are any specifically for men if you think they’d prefer that. Mind has an online directory of peer support groups in England and Wales.
- Help them to get help. Reassure them it’s okay to ask for help, and that support is out there. You could help them contact their GP or go with them to their appointment if they want you to.
- Take care of yourself. Looking after someone else can be hard, so make sure you consider your wellbeing too.
Why not give this a go –
The CAN-DO Challenge
Better mental health and wellbeing don’t only come from talking. There are five working days in the week and five ways to wellbeing.
The CAN-DO Challenge challenges men to try each of the five ways to wellbeing over the course of a week/few weeks/month whatever you may feel comfortable with to start.
Every day, a different way – The five ways are:
• Connect (connect with other people, for example call an old friend you haven’t seen since before lockdown) #connectmonday
• Be Active (move your body! For example, go for a walk or a run) with in Domiciliary care we are always on our feet #activetuesday
• Notice (take notice of the environment around you,) #noticewednesday
• Discover (learn something new, for example read a book you haven’t read before) #discoverthursday
• Offer – or give (Do something for someone else, we care every day in our role as a carer think of your colleagues/friends) #offerfriday
The CAN-DO Challenge | Men’s Health Forum and don’t forget to share what you’re doing it may help someone else, keep in touch!
Organisations that can help
If you need support, or want to learn more about men’s mental health, contact these organisations.
- CALM
- Samaritans
- Men’s Health Forum
What about the ladies?
Of course, ladies would benefit from all or any of this activity and they can also encourage the men in their lives to take part too. As the saying goes after all, behind every great man there’s a great woman. Its not just about work its about your own personal life to.
Work can become very stressful, and we do not always notice this, by doing these challenges it may help you to focus and ease your anxiety.
