How to Support Male Mental Health

November is Men’s Health Awareness month.  It is a time to consider your own physical and mental health and do what you can to help yourself.  Understanding and awareness is the first step toward the reduction of premature deaths of men.  On average, men die five years younger than women, and many are preventable reasons. 

What are some of the facts about the male population that contribute to premature death and poor mental health?

• Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,
• Males account for 75% of all suicides in the UK
• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction compared to women in the UK
• In the UK, 87% of rough sleepers are men
• Men are more likely than women to become alcohol dependent
• 73% of missing adults are men
• Men are more likely than women to use illegal drugs
• Men make up 95% of the prison population
• Boys are performing less well than girls at all levels of education
• Boys are more likely to be excluded from school than girls

Statistics show that poor mental health impacts individuals and their families which results in lost income, lower educational attainment, lower quality of life and a much shorter life span (8 to 10 years).  Mental ill-health is one of the largest sources of the burden of disease.  This includes costs to treat those that seek help, loss of working or education attendance, job loss, costs to business with presenteeism and disciplinary action.  MHFA England reports that 69% of UK line managers say that supporting employee wellbeing is a core skill but most have not received mental health training.

What can be done to improve poor mental health?

It can be scary to talk about emotions.  Avoiding expressing emotion can cause someone to pull away from the world around them, misuse drugs or alcohol or find other escapes that are not healthy.  Some people may express emotion through anger which can push others away.  Others may put on a mask and pretend to be okay.  All of this leads to feeling alone.  It is okay to share vulnerability and say you are not okay.  Many people view being honest about feelings as a sign of weakness.  It is actually the opposite, a sign of strength and being brave to share personal fears, worries and show vulnerability to another person.

Stay Connected

Make it a priority to spend time with people who make you feel good – family, friends, neighbours.

Join a Men’s Shed - For more information visit https://menssheds.org.uk/

Volunteer - Look locally or visit https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/

Have conversations with males in your life

Be there for friends and family.  Men can and do talk about emotions and can be comfortable having conversations about big and small things in life.

Learn to listen as well as encourage any man in your life that is not coping. - For more guidance visit https://conversations.movember.com/en-us/ 

Keep Active

Walk, Jog, Swim, Cycle, Sport

Make time to add activity to your day.  Include a walking meeting or schedule family time in the park.

Be outside in nature, gardening, fishing, hill climbing or running on the beach

I am struggling and want to talk to someone now.  What support is available for me?

Samaritans offer support if you are having a difficult time.

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)  Website: www.samaritans.org

Shout Provides text support if you feel unable to cope.

Text: text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours a day)   Website: www.giveusashout.org

C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Offers emotional support, advice and information to men who are feeling suicidal and their families.

They will talk to you about whatever is getting you down (5pm-midnight, 365 days a year).

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58  Webchat:  www.thecalmzone.net 

What can I do to support the men in my life?

Consider your timing when reaching out to friends and family – choosing the right time to ask for help or listen to someone sharing their difficulties is important. 

Talk to the boys in your life.  Talking about our own thoughts and feelings can become a gateway for friends and family to follow suit.  We often mirror others behaviour so if we can support sons and nephews, they will be better equipped as adults to be able to talk about emotions and to ask for help when they need it.

Break stigma and stand up to toxic masculinity.  If you see or hear things that keep males under pressure to be ‘masculine', say something.  Social media is often a false world that many view as a statement of fact just by popularity vote.   

Ask the men and boys in your life what their barriers are to talking about emotions or asking for help.  Be there for them so they know support is available anytime, not just in obviously pressured situations, times of change or increased responsibility.

For more information:

Movember - The leading charity changing the face of men’s health

https://uk.movember.com/

Men's Minds Matter - Dedicated to the prevention of male suicide by building psychological resilience and emotional strength. We are passionate about reducing suicide rates for men through the development and provision of psychological crisis interventions that prevent suicide.

Https://www.mensmindsmatter.org/

Mind - Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem

https://www.mind.org.uk/