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The Workplace Health Insights series brings you the latest healthcare trends, interviews with medical experts and specialist insight from Bupa: all designed to keep you and your organisation one step ahead.
For the latest insights on supporting men’s health and wellbeing in the workplace, take a look here.
Messages that work for men
Although awareness and attitudes are improving for men’s health, there is no denying we face an ongoing crisis around men’s mental health in particular.
The statistics regarding suicide are especially shocking:
- Men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
- Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
- One in eight men has a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.
- And notably, men are far less likely to access therapy – only 36% of NHS referrals for talking therapies are made for men.
A stressful event such as the pandemic can disrupt the ability to make sense of the world and that can spiral into trauma.
For men, this sense of powerlessness associated with the pandemic might present additional challenges around gender-based perceptions and the need to be strong and in control.
These gender stereotypes also deter men from seeking help.
Despite several high-profile sports stars taking breaks to look after their mental health, there is still a misconception that poor mental health is incompatible with traditional perceptions of masculinity, and that conditions such as depression, which impact emotional wellbeing, are intrinsically feminine.
Taking action
Language and the way mental health messages are communicated to men can break down many of the barriers to seeking help.
Bupa Behavioural Insights Adviser Lauren Gordon emphasises the importance of thinking about who the messages are for.
“Studies show that men prefer a solution-focused approach when it comes to seeking help for mental health,” she says.
“Framing the messaging to motivate change, addressing stereotypes and incorporating content that highlights positive traits — such as taking action, responsibility and strength— will resonate better.”
And for the highest impact, it is best to test any tailored communications first with a small group of the target audience to make sure it lands as anticipated.
This article has been abbreviated by Health & Protection. The full article on supporting men’s health and wellbeing in the workplace can be found as part of the Workplace Health Insights series from Bupa, take a look here.