Research shows that work ranks as the biggest cause of men’s mental health issues, and over a third of men don’t bother to see their GP because they can’t get an appointment.
June 10-16 marks Men’s Health Week, helping to raise awareness of men’s mental health and physical wellbeing.
The week shines a spotlight on the unique health concerns impacting men and aims to promote the importance of addressing and managing their health issues proactively.
The annual event encourages men to take charge of their well-being, make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, and seek appropriate medical support when needed.
The statistics are alarming
Statistically, it is well documented than men are less likely to talk about their feelings and make a series of excuses to dodge seeing a doctor.
With work (32%), finances (31%) and health (23%) ranking as the top three biggest causes of men’s mental health problems (according to research) – we’re calling on employers to open up the conversation – and offer a supportive and psychologically safe space for their male staff.
Our Managing Director, Nel Woolcott, says: “It has long been a fact that men in general simply do not talk about their feelings, worries or health concerns in the way that many women do.
“We would urge men and indeed all employers with male representation in their organisation to take that time of for a GP check-up or hospital appointment, and to prioritise any medical screening letters they receive.
“Employers should, as a matter of course, be able to signpost staff to support services for both their mental health and physical wellbeing and empower those staff to make any necessary appointments.
“Having a safe space psychologically also helps to create a stress-free and supportive working environment.”
Figures from Priority Private Healthcare, which commissioned a survey of 1,000 men in the UK, found:
Over a third of men (35%) think they’ve had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives.
Only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men. Men are less likely to seek help for their mental health.
52% of men would be concerned about taking time off work, whilst 46% would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer. (Men’s Health Forum)
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. (Calm Zone)
Four in 10 (40%) men in the UK won’t discuss their mental health with close friends, family, or a medical professional.
What can employers do to help?
Employers can offer resources such as employee assistance programmes (EAPs), counselling services or mental health workshops. Simply making support services more readily available can make a huge difference. Here are some simple things that every employer can implement: Consider nominating a male ‘champion’ at work to build awareness of men’s health issues and encourage uptake of support.
Encourage senior employees to share their experiences of accessing support for health issues – particularly in regard to mental health.
Use relevant awareness days (including Movember, Men’s Health Week and International Men’s Day) to highlight men’s health issues internally.
Direct employees towards trusted sources of information on male health, and highlight available support, for instance, Employee Assistance Programmes and Andy’s Mans Club.
Encourage male employees to attend medical appointments, both virtually and in-person, by offering flexibility for these to take place within work hours.
Update existing Equality and Diversity policies to ensure they make adequate provision for men’s health.
Note
*Based on research by Priory Private Healthcare.