Facts and figures
It may be hard to believe that around 13% of men in the UK suffer from some form of common mental health problem. Many choose not to open up about their problems to either their loved ones or a professional.
While many of the issues relate to both sexes, there are factors associated with mental ill health, which are very much male orientated. It is a sad fact, that in all the recorded suicides in the UK over recent years, nearly 75% of those were males.
Suicide is the largest cause of death for males under the age of 50, spanning a wide spectrum of differing communities and socio-economic backgrounds. A greater insight into the risks associated with these groups can be found on the Samaritan’s website.
Beliefs and Stereotypes
Part of the issue is the traditional stereotype that men relate to. They believe they should behave in a certain way and are conscious about how they are perceived by others.
There is a belief system in most men that they should be the strong dominant, commanding force and not conforming to this stereotype is a form of weakness. This coupled with the fact that men find it difficult to share their problems or emotions, because it’s just not the done thing, manifests itself into many of the mental health issues that men face today.
Awareness of Mental Health Issues
From a professional point of view, it is good to note that the subject of mental health is being raised openly and those with a high public profile are now speaking up about the subject. This is being embraced by social media and TV to raise the level of understanding and seriousness of the issues that many men are facing.
Just recently HRH Prince William launched a campaign with Heads Up and the Football Association to bring the awareness programme to the wider community of those involved with football, not just to the supporters but directly with controlling bodies of both the men’s and women’s leagues.
The mental health problems faced by top performing professionals in other supports is well documented, but not as well publicised. It is good to note that Gloucester Rugby Club publicly committed to supporting their players who have recently opened up about mental health issues.
Mental Health in the Workplace
The workplace has always been an area which produces stress, across all industries and at all levels of the employment scale. Many companies have now started to recognise that the mental resilience of their employees is of paramount importance and have introduced programmes and partners, to work with their workforce to ensure a better management of their mental wellbeing and in turn their productivity.
Whilst the devastating loss of life through mental illness will not change overnight, the continued awareness and breaking down taboos around the issues that many men face today, can only serve to help more men seek help and open up about what’s on their mind and what is causing them distress.
More information about mental awareness and sources of help can be found at the following websites or by calling Reigate Psychology Services and speaking to one of our practitioners.
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