What will it take for men to start opening up on health?

What will it take for men to start opening up on health?

Almost half of men say their mental health has declined during the pandemic, claims research carried out for Men’s Health Awareness Month.

Worse — 60% say they wouldn’t talk about mental health issues because of fears around what it would mean for their career.

Men’s health in general continues be a picture of challenges, many of which could be addressed by earlier and more honest conversations about health. One in five men die before they reach 65: suicide remains the biggest cause of death for men under 45; 67% of men are overweight or obese. Testicular and prostate cancer continue to be common threats despite being treatable conditions that need to be caught early.

Breaking barriers

This year’s International Men’s Day has focused on the importance of relationships between men and women, how bridging the gaps between the sexes will help with attitudes and perceptions towards men. Research by social scientists has shown how children with supportive fathers grow up happier and more secure.

What can employers do without pushing advice onto a male workforce that can already be flippant or sceptical when it comes to health campaigns?

Flexi-men

“In times of stress and crisis, a man still wants to see themselves as the rock, strong and dependable,” says EAPA UK chair Eugene Farrell.

“They think they can’t show weakness in case that affects their prospects at work and how people think of them at home. Nothing is ever that simple, and so real problems around health that might start out minor, get ignored or denied.

“It’s all about helping men be more flexible and adaptable. Not so much a rigid rock of strength, but able to stretch and change when needed. Employers can help by simply making sure all staff get breaks and lunchtimes, are given the space and time outside of everyday pressures to keep in touch with how they’re feeling and to do something about it.

“Until the male cultural identity evolves further, the anonymity of the EAP and its direct link to professional advice continues to be important for men in particular.”