In November, there is an awareness campaign called, “Movember” which is to raise awareness of male illnesses, including those illnesses specific to men and also raising awareness of men’s mental health.

Mind commissioned a report into men’s mental health in 2009 and revisited it again in 2019. There were some improvements in access to treatments and men were more likely to seek treatment than before. However, there is a long way to go.

Recommendations for UK Government included a commitment to developing a cross-party mental health strategy looking at the impact of a range of issues such as housing, welfare and criminal justice, with a gender-informed approach. Further research is needed on men’s health behaviours with regard to mental health and how to effectively support them. Continued funding should be made available for anti-stigma campaigns such as Time to Change that target men and their family and friends.

The recommendations for employers and professional bodies to include activities to promote good mental health in the workplace and that their workforce has timely access to mental health support. 

The report recommended that health professionals had training in delivering a gender-specific approach.

NHS Digital should ensure that Trusts are collecting data on gender and across all protected characteristics to gain a better understanding of patterns of service use, experience and outcomes to inform commissioning decisions, as well as to be able to determine the intersectional dimensions that need to be considered
in how services respond to need. 

What can you do?

Talk more, consider charities such as “andysmanclub”, MIND, or the Samaritans, as well as connecting more with friends.

Do things you enjoy, make a list of what makes you happy and find time to do it.

Prioritise your physical health.

Aim for a restful sleep, exercise during the day and reduce caffeine consumption later in the day.

Have a balanced, healthy diet.