Men's Mental Health Month

Every November Men’s Mental Health Month is acknowledged in the UK. The aim of the month is to promote awareness of mental and physical health of men and to encourage men who are struggling to seek help and support.

How many men struggle with mental health?

According to Mind, 2 in 5 men admit to regularly feeling worried or low, which is an increase since 2009.

With an increase in men struggling with their mental health, it’s important to provide support and raise awareness. Men also reported having lower levels of life satisfaction than women.

In recent years, men's mental health has become a more widely discussed subject and has gained significant visibility in the UK.

Awareness of men's mental health helps towards breaking down long-standing stigmas and encourages more men to open up and talk about any struggles they face.

Conversations around mental health are becoming much more prominent in mainstream media, among celebrities, through awareness days and in workplaces and educational settings.  

Why is men's mental health important?

Reducing stigma: In the past it has often been considered difficult for men to talk about vulnerability and emotions.

Addressing men's mental health helps to challenge and break down societal stigmas around vulnerability and emotional expression.

46% of men would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer, if they were struggling with mental health and 52% would be concerned about taking time off work.

Talking about mental health should be accessible for everyone.

Improved Relationships: Focusing on mental health and making it a more accessible topic to discuss with men can help to promote healthier communication and emotional connections.

This can improve quality of life for men struggling with mental health and also help them to feel more accepted and comfortable to talk about their struggles.

Better Coping Mechanisms: Encouraging men to seek help with mental health can lead to developing healthier coping strategies.

This may help men cope better with their mental health problems in the future and provide support.

Helping men to seek support: Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women, only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.

Encouraging the men in our lives to seek support when they need it and normalising getting help can help more men access psychological therapies.

More details and advice on supporting men's mental health can be found further on in this blog.

Common causes of poor mental health

Often there are key factors than can cause mental health to deteriorate, these are often associated with:

• Challenges with work, education or relationships
• Financial concerns
• Changes in health
• Changes in relationships
• Retirement – which can cause a change in lifestyle and less opportunity for social interaction
• Bereavement and grief
• Moving to a new location with a lack of relationships in the community

How does toxic masculinity affect men's mental health

Toxic masculinity can have a very negative affect on men’s mental health and how they deal with emotions and vulnerability.

Toxic masculinity is the way men are culturally trained and socially pressured to behave. It has three core tenants: toughness, anti-femininity, and power.

This is thought to have an effect on men and how they view mental health, and may lead them to being less likely to seek help and support when they need it. 

According to VeryWellMind, the effects of toxic masculinity on men’s mental health can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Increased loneliness
• Increased substance and alcohol use

How to support men's mental health

Mind reported in 2019, that men are now almost 3 times more likely to see a therapist if they're worried, compared to 2009, which is great to see that more people are putting their mental health first and not afraid to get help.

Furthermore, you can provide mental health support for men by:

Encouraging a good work-life balance

If someone you know is suffering the effects of a hectic work schedule and it's taking a toll on their health, you can offer support by encouraging a good work-life balance.

Balancing work and life is essential to reducing stress and enjoying life more. If working from home, creating a separate space for work and home life can be beneficial.

Learn more about work-life balance and how wellbeing in the workplace can affect our mental health. 

Encouraging exercise and good lifestyle habits

Exercise is a great support for mental health. Whilst it won’t cure mental health, if someone is feeling low, or down, exercise can be a good outlet and help to boost moods.

Exercise has a strong link to releasing endorphins.

Endorphins are released by our body increasing positive feelings of well-being. Exercise works to release endorphins as it reduces the level of the body’s stress hormones.

When you are doing pleasurable things such as exercise, it allows the brain to release endorphins.

Research suggests that endorphins are released after at least 30 minutes of exercise, so the longer you can make a workout, the better you will feel in yourself.

A good balanced diet is also beneficial in improving our mental health. If we eat good, nutritious foods, it can help fuel our mind, helping us to feel more positive, improve brain power and help us to feel more alert. 

Being there to talk

Keep an eye on your loved ones and the men in your life. If you notice any changes, try and talk to them or suggest help.

Making it clear that you are a safe space and a listening ear can be the first step in someone getting the help they need.

Discussing our emotions and struggles can help our overall emotional health. Often opening up can take a weight off our shoulders.

Ways to keep an eye on and help those around us with their mental health include:

• Be there to listen
• If you are concerned about someone, try to talk to them and create a safe space to talk about emotions and feelings
• Stay in touch and show an interest
• Be patient and reassuring

CABA provide support and tips on being open and discussing feelings.

Remember you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, various resources and help are available.

Take a look at some men's mental health helplines. Other support includes:

• Mind offer a wide range of information and support for mental health, including information on helplines, support and services and medication and therapies.
  
  
• The NHS offers mental well-being audio guides, which help to boost moods. 
  
  
• Bupa offers quick round-the-clock access to mental health support via the Digital GP app. A specialist mental health team is also available through Bupa.
  
  
• AXA support is available around the clock for members with AXA’s 24/7 Health at Hand service. Counsellors are just a phone call away.
  
  
• The Exeter provides access to trained specialists who can evaluate and treat various mental health conditions. They also offer emotional and behavioural support. Access to lifestyle coaching, stress management, improving sleep and motivation to exercise is available.
  
  
• Aviva offer support through their Digital GP, which gives customers unlimited access around the clock to GP video consultations. They also offer a 24-hour Stress Counselling helpline, seven days a week.