Last week I met an employer, who had to let some subcontractors go because a large contract fell through. This was a tough decision. There was a big impact on some of those subcontractors.
It is difficult for men to recognise and seek assistance, why? Is it hard for everyone but more difficult for men? Why is the world half men but ¾ of suicides are men?
In some cultures, boys are taught from a young age to “be strong,” and not show vulnerability. These messages can have devastating consequences.
Men are affected by some illnesses as often as women and some behaviours, such as substance use, are more likely to be engaged in than men.
Surveys suggest that men fear judgement for seeking help. Early intervention in illness is important, early treatment will reduce the risk of long-term chronic illness and disability.
Men can be isolated with no-one they can discuss their illness with and feel useless and helpless. Few men talk openly about any of their illnesses, mental or physical health.
Men should be encouraged to discuss illness openly, without judgement. More prominent men are talking about their mental health and treatment for illness. Chris Hoy, the cycling 6-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, has been open about his treatment for prostate cancer and urged men with symptoms to seek investigations.
Men are not seeking investigations for illness promptly in many areas and are presenting late.
The Movember movement has encompassed Men’s Mental Health. There have been celebrities such as Stormzy, who have been open about their health and treatment.
What can you do?
If you are feeling unwell or something in your body routine has changed, ask if there is a logical not health related cause, for example, you are sitting your examinations and you are worried so not sleeping as well as usual. If not, consider if there may be an underlying health problem.
If you believe that someone close to you is unwell, support them in seeking investigations and treatment.
Ask your local mental health trust what services they offer for those in distress and what they are doing to continually improve them.
Ask your local council what support they offer for those in need for housing, support, benefits and foodbanks. Ask them about what education and support they offer for all health-related conditions in schools.
You may be able to volunteer for a local organisation.
Mental ill health is more prominent in those in poverty for several reasons, but mental disorder does not discriminate. Depression can present in people who are cheerful and appear to have no reason to be depressed, this is a fundamental misunderstanding that depression is always caused by adversity, and it can be but not always.
We do need to foster compassion. There is still stigma relating to many illnesses and only regular open and frank conversations will reduce this.
In the UK for The Samaritans call 116 123 or email (non-urgent) jo@samaritans.org. www.samaritan