Dr. Deborah Lee from Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy sheds light on the crucial issue of men’s mental health, emphasizing the need to overcome common barriers to seeking help and advocating for improved awareness and support measures.
The impact of poor mental health on individuals’ quality of life is often underestimated, causing distress, a sense of hopelessness, and significant adverse effects on self-esteem and confidence. Dr. Lee urges a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by those with mental health issues and calls for a concerted effort to reverse this distressing situation. Notably, severe mental illness can reduce life expectancy by 10-20 years, surpassing the impact of cigarette smoking.
While men and women experience similar mental health problems, the statistics vary. Anxiety, stress, and depression are among the most prevalent mental health disorders. Anxiety, affecting eight million people in the UK, is observed in both genders, but men often manifest symptoms differently, with higher tendencies for anger outbursts, insomnia, and reliance on substances like drugs and alcohol.
Stress, a prevalent concern affecting 74% of UK adults, is a significant contributor to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Despite women facing stressors related to child-rearing and domestic responsibilities, men grapple with their own stressors, often stemming from the pressures of being primary breadwinners.
Depression, occurring in 6% of adult women and 4% of adult men, sees a higher suicide rate in men. An alarming 75% of annual suicides are reported in adult men, with the most common occurrences in the 50–54 age group.
Risk factors for mental ill health are shared, including work-related issues, financial problems, and health concerns. Major life events, such as becoming a parent, can also contribute, with a higher incidence of depression observed in new fathers.
Despite the shared risks, societal norms and traditional gender roles contribute to men being less likely to seek help. The stigma surrounding vulnerability and societal expectations often lead men to internalize their emotions, disguising feelings of depression. Recognizing this, Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of intercepting signs of suicidal tendencies in men.
The workplace plays a vital role in supporting mental health. Dr. Lee cites guidelines from the National Institute of Care and Health Excellence (NICE), highlighting the need for a supportive culture at all organizational levels. Stress risk assessments, mental health champions, and awareness initiatives are recommended. Creating an inclusive atmosphere, maintaining work/life balance, and providing external sources of support are essential components of fostering a mentally healthy workplace.
Managers play a crucial role in this effort, requiring training in mental health awareness. Dr. Lee encourages conducting surveys to assess stress levels, engaging with employees and their representatives, and providing access to stress-relief initiatives. A wellbeing plan, including flexible working hours and treatment options, should be in place to support employees facing mental health challenges.
Promoting mental health awareness extends beyond the workplace, with Dr. Lee suggesting external resources and initiatives like mental health apps and community organizations for men, such as Andy’s Man Club, The Men’s Shed Association, and The Mankind Project UK and Ireland. Through collective efforts, breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health becomes an achievable goal, fostering a supportive and understanding society.
