November or ‘Movember’ is Men’s Health Awareness Month. The global awareness day aims to celebrate positive male role models, and men in families and communities and emphasises the need to encourage men to talk about their mental health openly and safely.
The awareness campaign highlights the need to address the male suicide crisis, advocating for men’s wellbeing and health concerns, to improve gender relations and gender equality. It also aims to celebrate diversity and create a safer and better world for all genders. In recent times, we have seen a growing concern for suicide rates in men. In 2024, The Office for National Statistics reported that “around three-quarters of suicides were males.” This is a very worrying statistic, and it is clear that men in the UK need more and continued support with their mental health struggles.
Even with much greater awareness of the need for action, these statistics only seem to be getting worse with mind reporting a doubling of men experiencing suicidal thoughts since 2009. The reasons for the high suicide rates in men are not fully understood. However, some reasons and risk factors include mental health problems, abuse, bullying, discrimination, trauma, substance abuse, relationship problems, or socioeconomic problems such as lack of work.
Signs to look out for in someone who is struggling with their mental health:
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling like they are a burden to others
- Persistent low mood or changes in mood
- Alcohol or substance use or abuse
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Mentioning self-harm or showing risky behaviours
- Talking about or researching suicide
- Absolutist language – Using language that reflects “all-or-nothing” thinking
- Ultimately, trust your gut if you feel something is off
If you are made aware or see or hear any of these signs, it is really important to seek help and support for that individual. Encouraging men to seek support and help with their mental health is a fundamental step to care for male colleagues and supports International Men’s Day’s objectives.
Signposting different ways in which men can reach out to find help when they need it, ensures men in the workplace have the resources they need when in a mental health crisis. Encouraging a positive work culture and psychological safety around mental health, gives men the confidence to talk about their struggles.
Performance and Wellbeing Psychologist, Jake Lovelock says:
“Men’s mental health awareness has progressed in the last decade, but it is still a muddy picture. Changing the narrative around seeking support, and what support looks like for men is crucial to making solid progress”.
If you are interested in running a session on Tackling Men’s Mental Health with Jake Lovelock, Performance and Wellbeing Psychologist, please get in touch with us – we can offer both in-person or virtual sessions – contact us.