In this article, we will discuss men\u2019s mental health and why it is so important, why men often don\u2019t talk about their mental health, tips on looking after yourself and those you know, as well as exploring the importance of International Men\u2019s Day in light of such a vital topic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Why is Men\u2019s Mental Health Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to the Mental Health Foundation<\/a>, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Of the suicides reported in 2020\/21, three-quarters were men<\/a>. These chilling statistics have been the case since the mid-1990s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone experiences mental health and will likely face mental health problems at some point in their life and it\u2019s important to take all cases seriously. However, just a brief look over statistics, or even into media and society, highlights the importance of talking about men\u2019s mental health. There are many different types of mental ill health that people can be affected by and understanding some key signs and symptoms can be a great help in understanding what many people experience. To learn more take a look at our article, her<\/a>e<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n Suicide is the largest cause of death for males under 50<\/a> and unpacking this, as well as many other distressing statistics is vital in helping men through mental health struggles. Thus, the importance of men\u2019s mental health is prevalent now more than ever and for a multitude of reasons, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some who suffer from mental health problems may self-medicate and men may be more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope with stress, depression or anxiety – rather than talking about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, take a look at our article here<\/a>, or consider taking our Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although a common trait of those experiencing troubles with their mental health is to shut off and not talk about how they are feeling, this is especially common in men and a dangerous reason as to why many struggle so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, a huge reason behind the thousands of people, particularly men, who suffer in silence is societal stigma and pressure. Expectations and traditionally prescribed gender roles that are still influential today, generations after their formation, lead many men to believe that they cannot, and should not, speak up when they are struggling with their mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some reasons why these beliefs still exist may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All such factors can become suffocating. Some people may naturally shut down and not express their feelings. Pressures inflicted by society push down on this tenfold, damaging people\u2019s views from a young age. <\/p>\n\n\n This notion that men should not talk about their feelings can also be damaging in other, more outward, ways. Some research suggests that men who can\u2019t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems in themselves and others. Here, they may be less likely to reach out for support or may not be able to recognise underlying symptoms in their peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Debunking many of these societal myths is a step in unravelling the unjust gender stereotypes that often still prevail on a day-to-day basis. We have listed some common myths below and unpacked them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Mental Health Awareness Course<\/a> aims to increase your understanding of common mental health conditions and of your own mental health, including how or when it might suffer, and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The stigma around mental health is one of the greatest challenges we face. To debunk more myths about mental health, take a look at our article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facilitating open conversation is key to breaking down these societal barriers. In fact, more and more in recent years are we starting to see great role models coming forward and being honest about their mental health. Figures such as Roman Kemp<\/a>, Sto<\/a>rmzy <\/a>and even the likes of royalty, P<\/a>rince Harry<\/a> have spoken up about their experiences and struggles with mental ill-health. All such conversations are vital in encouraging others to do the same and showing them that they aren\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encouraging conversations around mental health may often be the first step in breaking down barriers. However, this can be a challenge and often easier said than done.<\/p>\n\n\n If you are concerned for someone you know, or simply wish to check in on a more regular basis consider approaching the conversation with the following guidance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on how to talk to people about their mental health take a look at our article, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many preventative measures you can take to look after your mental health, just as you would with your physical health. <\/p>\n\n\n Below we have listed eight ways to look after mental health and wellbeing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental health does not have one set meaning. Rarely will two people\u2019s experiences of it look the same. Because of this, it is important to understand that what works for one person, may not work for you or someone else. It is important to only try what feels comfortable and give yourself time to figure out what is right for you, there is little point in forcing yourself into a certain routine simply because you have been told to, or because it worked for a friend. Take some time to work out what routine and actions make you feel better. <\/p>\n\n\n Positive mental wellbeing doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re always happy or unaffected by your experiences \u2013 we are all human and experience emotions differently. However, mental ill health and wellbeing can make it more difficult to cope with daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International Men\u2019s Day<\/a> aims to offer a worldwide celebration of the positive value that men bring to the world, their families and communities. The day seeks to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrating International Men\u2019s Day is important because it acts as a catalyst for starting essential conversations about men\u2019s mental health. Formed by Dr Jerome Tuluck Singh to commemorate his father\u2019s birthday, the day was first celebrated in 1999, in Trinidad and Tobago. The day is now widely celebrated across 80 countries to raise awareness of the physical and mental struggles that many men face. The spotlight is placed on positive male role models, raising awareness of men\u2019s health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n In 2022, it was celebrated on the 19th of November and the theme was \u2018Helping Men and Boys\u2019. The celebration coincides with the yearly event of \u2018Movember\u2019, which sees people growing moustaches and raising money to support men\u2019s mental health and wellbeing across the globe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get involved any time of year by visiting the International Men\u2019s Day website<\/a>, where they offer a range of resources, talks and contacts to use for yourself or your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you found this article useful and encourage you to check in on the men in your life \u2013 no matter the time of year. The importance of encouraging men to talk about their mental health is paramount. Events such as International Men\u2019s Day can help raise awareness of men\u2019s mental wellbeing and are an excellent resource to use.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The importance of encouraging men to talk about their mental health is paramount. Find tips on looking after yourself and those you know here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":64846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[73],"class_list":["post-64770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safeguarding","tag-mental-health"],"acf":{"schema_disabled":false,"schema_properties_FAQPage_question_answer":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_tools":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_supplies":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_steps":null,"schema_properties_WebPage_cssSelector":null,"schema_sameAs_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_override":false},"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M2-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Men Don\u2019t Talk About Their Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M3-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"expert](\"https:\/\/hub.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/expert-tip-icon.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/div>\nLooking to Learn More?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
How to Facilitate a Conversation Around Mental Health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M4-1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\nTips on Looking After Your Mental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M5-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInternational Men\u2019s Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/M6-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFurther Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n