There is no doubt that mental health issues are prevalent in today’s society and although they can, and do, affect all genders, it’s men that often struggle in silence.
In fact, men are often reluctant to seek support for any health issue, but especially so when it comes to mental health.
We all know the stereotype men are expected to live up to; stoic, strong and resilient, which can make it even more difficult for them to acknowledge how they’re feeling and even harder to speak up.
This societal expectation has led to a significant stigma around men’s mental health, causing many to feel vulnerable and preventing them from seeking the support they desperately need.
It’s sometimes the case that men may not even realise that what they’re feeling or experiencing is not how it has to be and do not recognise they may need help to deal with it.
They rarely arrange to speak to their GP purely about mental health issues, and it is much more likely that these issues come up as a result of other conversations or health concerns.
First step to improvement
Everyone can experience a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
Acknowledging these challenges and speaking up about them is the first step towards making improvements.
When men openly discuss their mental health, they can help challenge societal norms, paving the way for others to do the same.
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness as some men believe – asking for help can and does lead to positive changes.
Whether it’s talking to a partner, friend, family member, work colleague or mental health professional, reaching out for support provides an opportunity to share the burden and find effective coping strategies.
However, support can come in various forms and conventional options may not be for everyone.
In fact, talking may not even be the answer for some.
As a society we cannot assume that one size fits all and people need to find ways to make positive changes that work for them, be it through exercise, socialising or spending time in nature.
Addressing workplace struggles
The workplace, where individuals spend a significant portion of their lives, clearly plays a crucial role in men’s mental health.
People are worried about sharing that they may be stressed, anxious or struggling mentally in case it negatively impacts their career and how people think of them.
Employers and colleagues can contribute to breaking the silence by creating a supportive environment where people can feel safe and not judged for opening-up, giving them the time and space to deal with their issues.
It’s essential that line managers and those in leadership roles see beyond the job and recognise the person behind it, taking the time to check in and support their people.
Still work to do
Despite huge steps forward in terms of reducing the stigma around mental health and encouraging men to speak more freely, there is still work to be done.
The younger generation are still plagued with the same stereotypes and concerns as we have seen previously and we need to do more to change the way men think about mental health and find alternative ways for them to seek support.
Together we need to help men take control of their mental wellbeing and lead healthier, happier lives.
The 2023 Axa Mind Health study showed 25% of the men surveyed were languishing and a further 36% were getting by.
We must continue to break the silence, erase the stigma, and create a society where everyone feels empowered to prioritise their mental health.
A conversation between Axa Health chief medical officer Dr John Burke (pictured) and mental health consulting lead Eugene Farrell.