Statistics from BMI Healthcare<\/a>, also add weight to the need for more openness around men\u2019s mental health issues, saying that:<\/p>\n Resistance around mental health support for men seems to be, in part, rooted in stereotypes of \u2018alpha\u2019 men<\/a>. <\/p>\n Preconceptions of \u2018manliness\u2019 equate to men acting \u2018tough\u2019 and not showing emotions have damaging consequences for men, and wider society. This quote from Frederick Douglass<\/a> effectively highlights this:<\/p>\n \u201cIt is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.\u201d<\/p>\n Frederick Douglass<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Toxic masculinity<\/a>, as these stereotypes have become known, view men\u2019s mental health issues as a weakness. This type of masculinity values stoicism, physical strength and power and does not relate positively to men valuing their mental health. <\/p>\n These stereotypes are damaging for everyone – toxic masculinity makes assumptions about women and people of other genders that perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination and inequality in society. The concept of men as powerful and masculine is harmful to all genders: no one benefits from this. <\/p>\n We can appreciate then, why some communities may be so dismissive of men and mental health. It is not a part of their value system, their language, their view of the world. By having compassion for the challenges that these stereotypes present, we can improve mental health support for men.<\/p>\n Men\u2019s mental health is equally important as that of women and non-binary people. The stereotypes and stigma discussed above highlight why men might be hesitant to reach out. <\/p>\n These challenges mean more effort may be needed to encourage men to seek support for their mental health. In order to reach out men need to overcome barriers that have been put in place by society over a long period of time, and for some this may feel like a big hurdle to jump.<\/p>\n The statistics clearly highlight that the need for mental health support for men exists. In 2018, a study by the World Health Organisation found that three times as many men<\/a> as women die as a result of suicide. <\/p>\n Evidence also indicates that ethnic minority men<\/a> (and women) face greater challenges than white men when seeking support for their mental health. Sadly, and perhaps unsurprisingly, this is the case across all minority groups regardless of gender. However, there are ways you can support minority groups<\/a> with their mental health in your organisaton.<\/p>\n Men may present their mental health difficulties differently to women, so it may be less easy to identify that they have a need for support. For example, men may display feelings of anger more readily than sadness or anxiety. <\/p>\n These behavioural differences have been linked particularly to men experiencing depression<\/a>. Anger isn\u2019t viewed as compassionately as sadness or anxiety (which is how depression may be more acceptingly manifested) and this presents another barrier towards accessing mental health support for men.<\/p>\n We have identified that there are many reasons why some men may struggle to seek support for their mental health.<\/p>\n Some men may not be used to identifying emotions and feelings and so it could be challenging to share them with other people. Vulnerability is not something that is automatically associated with traditional ideals of masculinity.<\/p>\n A Time to Change study, in 2019, found that only 25% of men<\/a> would open up to friends if they were struggling with their mental health. <\/p>\n This study also found a significant number of friends wouldn\u2019t feel confident to know when a friend was trying to open up.<\/p>\n So, how can we create opportunities for men to feel comfortable to share their feelings?<\/p>\n As a supportive friend, colleague or family member there is a range of services that you can signpost men to, so they can get support for their mental health.<\/p>\n CALM: <\/strong>The Campaign Against Living Miserably<\/a> takes a stand against suicide. The organisation is particularly inclusive of men\u2019s mental health as it recognises that 75% of suicides are by men.<\/p>\n Mind<\/strong><\/a>: This mental health charity provides support through a helpline, crisis coping tools, local drop-in services and more.<\/p>\n Hub of Hope<\/strong><\/a>: This database of support services allows you to enter your UK postcode and find the most useful mental health support in your local area. Find out more about the Founder of Hub of Hope in our mental health podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n Male VoiceED<\/strong><\/a>: A charity focused on supporting men with eating disorders.<\/p>\n Samaritans:<\/a><\/strong> This charity provides a helpline that can be contacted around the clock. They provide listening and judgement-free support for everyone, particularly those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n Local groups focused on supporting men are increasingly popular. Some are specific to mental health challenges, like Andy\u2019s Man Club<\/a> and others create opportunities for friendship and conversation, like Men\u2019s Sheds<\/a>.<\/p>\n As an inclusive employer there are many ways you can provide mental health support to men:<\/p>\n Read about these suggestions and other ways you can support men in your organisation in our International Men\u2019s Day package<\/a>. This is available free to members. If you are not a member you can find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Exploring why men are hesitant to reach out<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Why is men\u2019s mental health so important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to talk to men about mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Where men can get help for mental health issues<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Charities<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Support groups<\/strong><\/h3>\n
NHS Services<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How to raise awareness of men’s mental health as an organisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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