Celebrating International Men's Day

The Gender Diversity Network, Andy Davies and Sam Davey teamed up on November 21st, 2023, to host an educational session exploring mental health regarding men. The engaging event delved into how crucial mental health defines us as a person but also how men are still facing certain stigmas when it comes to seeking support for mental health issues.

 

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What is mental health?

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave. Good mental health allows us to cope with life's normal stresses, be productive, and maintain healthy relationships. However, mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and others are very common and can profoundly impact daily life. Promoting mental health awareness, providing accessible treatment and support services, and reducing stigma around mental illness are crucial.

It is a complex issue that affects people of all backgrounds. By increasing understanding, erasing stigma, and making mental healthcare more available, we can support those struggling and work towards greater wellbeing for all. An open and compassionate dialogue around mental health is important for individuals and communities. With the right resources and support, people can recover from mental illness and live fulfilling lives.

Why is men's mental health still stigmatised?

Men's mental health deserves greater attention and understanding. Due to societal norms and expectations of masculinity, men often feel pressure to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. This can make them hesitant to discuss mental health struggles or seek professional help. However, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse impact men at high rates. 

Providing better education to reduce stigma, increasing access to mental health resources tailored to men's needs, and encouraging open conversations can help address this important issue. Men's mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a human experience that requires compassion, support, and prioritizing emotional well-being. By breaking down barriers, we can empower men to care for their mental health without judgment.

Speaker & Insights

We were delighted to welcome our colleagues Sam Davey, Digital Learning Manager, and Andy Davies, Operations Delivery Lead, to share their experiences and stories. 

Tackling the stigma together

As a result of the stigma, it can be difficult to know if someone around you is struggling. Some signs at the workplace though could be missing deadlines, difficulties to concentrate, binge eating, drinking more heavily, not joining team lunches or activies, excessive sick days or becoming more easily frustrated. 

Being mindful of this, it's good to check in on your colleagues. Here are some suggestions for support:

  1. Create an open and non-judgmental environment where men feel comfortable discussing mental health issues. Normalize these conversations and avoid perpetuating stigma.

  2. Provide resources and information on mental health services, counseling, support groups etc. that are tailored specifically for men's needs.

  3. Encourage men to practice self-care, set boundaries between work/home life, and make their well-being a priority. Lead by example.

  4. For colleagues you're close with, listen without judgment and validate their experiences if they open up about mental health challenges.