The Hidden Struggle: Taking Action This Men’s Mental Health Month
June is recognised as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month and PTSD Awareness Month. It is dedicated to breaking the stigma around emotional struggles, encouraging men to seek help, and highlighting effective treatments for trauma. While conversations around mental health are growing, men often face unique barriers to seeking help. Societal expectations, ingrained stigmas, and a lack of awareness contribute to a concerning reality. Also, the majority of workers in the construction industry are currently men. This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s acknowledge these challenges head-on.
Key Statistics:
- Fact: Nearly 1 in 5 men experience some form of mental health condition.
- Urgency: Men are significantly less likely than women to seek professional mental health treatment.
- Stark Reality: Suicide rates among males are alarmingly higher, with men accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides. (Source: CDC, 2022)
- Common Issues: While often underreported, men commonly experience depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
- Mental Health Awareness Month: reminds us that no one should struggle in silence. Everyone deserves support, respect, and a path to recovery.
How to Support Men’s Mental Health?
It’s time to build a culture of support and proactive care. Here’s how you can make a difference this June and every month:
- Open Conversations: Initiate discussions with the men in your life. Ask “How are you, really?” and truly listen without judgment.
- Challenge the Stigma: Educate yourself and others that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Encourage Professional Help: Normalise therapy and counselling. Share resources for finding qualified mental health professionals.
- Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Encourage regular exercise, limit alcohol, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and engaging in hobbies.
- Foster Connection: Combat isolation by promoting social engagement and supportive relationships.
- Look for Behavioural Changes in colleagues: Increased irritability, anger, aggression, risky behaviors (substance use, excessive gambling), social withdrawal.
- Speak Up: If you are suffering, don’t suffer in silence.
Support Services:
- Construction Industry Helpline – Tel: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
- Samaritans – 116 123
