As we move into June, let’s focus on men’s mental health week and start talking about preventing mental health issues, help when men are struggling and important topics such as prostrate and testicular cancer. Did you also know that men sadly can also have breast cancer?

Take a look at this information on prostrate, testicular and breast health in men:

If you’re in any doubt about how men’s health issues are impacting our society, take a look at these statistics.

One men in five dies before the age of 65 (Men’s Health Forum).
Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35 (UK Parliament).
According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index:
- ‘43% of working British men are urging their employers to provide greater mental health support.
- 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice.
- 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners.
- 30% of men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
- 65% of employees recognise that stigma around men’s mental health remains strong.’

Despite the real issues facing men, many delay to reach out for help with their mental and physical health. Largely due to the stigma associated with having to deal with things alone and not being a burden to those around them. Men are often taught to be stoic and tough and try to hide their vulnerabilities.

Sadly this can mean that when men are struggling they don’t feel it’s ok to seek help. Men often try and avoid worries by distracting themselves by keeping very busy in another area of their life. We see a lot of men who over-work as a way of coping with anxiety and stresses. That works for a short time of course and having healthy distractions can be helpful but not at the cost of sorting out issues.

Avoiding problems can also be a play a part in addiction. If we are feeling stressed we can often turn to alcohol, drugs (prescription medication like painkillers as well as illegal substances), porn/sex, gambling or food.

Many of us have lost a friend due to suicide and seeking help for this is particularly difficult please reach out to the specialist services available such as Cruse Bereavement and Support After Suicide who brings all these services together:

Support After Suicide

For specialist help for young people struggling with the death of someone due to suicide Papyrus offers help:

Suicide bereavement support | Papyrus

What to do if worried about someone?

If you feel that you are able then encourage him to take some action. This is not about suggesting a fix to the problem or making things magically better. It is likely that the situation he is struggling with is not simple to fix and will not be solved today. Perhaps there are things that show that you care and are willing to help rather than having an absolute solution. This might be around trying to get more sleep, eating better or just asking if anything has helped them in the past. Offer to be there to listen again in the future and encourage to seek support from others as well as yourself to remove some of the shame and stigma of what they are feeling. Make sure you check in with him either on the phone or plan to meet in person in a week or so time. This shows that you understand that the issue does not need to be solved after your conversation and that you will continue your support.

This method of approaching a difficult conversation follows the acronym of ALEC to make it easier to remember the steps:

A – Ask the question

L – Listen and don’t judge

E – Encourage to seek help

C – Check in and continue to support

You can read more about the ALEC method on the Movember website and even practice some hypothetical situations to see how much you already know. https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/spot-the-signs

Help and support:

If you are interested in talking about your difficulties and feel the need for change in your life, The Wellness Consultancy can help. We have rooms in Bolton, Chorley and Anglesey and dedicated therapists who can assist you in the journey to change.

Please reach out today email: wellness-consultancy@outlook.com