International Men’s Day is here to celebrate men and all they do in society, as well as raise awareness of the issues they face.
We want men to know that it is okay to talk and we are here to listen if they are struggling.
Men can often feel the pressure to be ‘tough’ and ‘strong’ and provide for their families, but we know that this is not always easy. Men too go through periods of stress when they experience a major life change – like becoming a new dad, facing redundancy, health issues or the loss of a loved one. But it is always OK to talk, and you’re never alone.
Figures show that suicide is the biggest cause of male death in under 50s, and is three times higher than in women. This figure needs to change.
Men need to be encouraged to talk about their feelings, speak up when they need help and know they’re not alone. They also need to know there is support in place for when they are struggling, and that there is always a way to make things better.
This year, the government launched a suicide prevention strategy to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in England. The plan aims to target the most at-risk groups including middle-aged men and young people with more than 100 measures in place to help save lives.
We have listed some ways you can recognise when someone needs help, and when men might need support most.
How to recognise when someone needs help
At work, it can be difficult to know how to approach a colleague who might be struggling with their mental health. But there are a few things you can look out for that might indicate that an employee needs help.
- Withdrawing from family, friends or colleagues
- Avoiding situations or loss of interest in usual activities
- Coming in late to work or college, being absent from work, missing lectures or not turning up to social engagements
- Change in appetite or sleeping less or more than usual
- Working longer hours than usual or trying to do too many things at once
- Being erratic, unusually agitated, tearful, or, conversely, emotionless
- Changes in appetite, weight or sleep patterns
- Increased alcohol consumption
When men need the most support
Men need support throughout their lives, but always remember to look out for friends and colleagues if they are going through the following:
- Becoming a new dad
- Redundancy
- Retirement
- Grief/loss of a loved one
- Illness
How you can help
- Choose an appropriate place where you can ask your colleague about their mental health
- Encourage them to talk without being judgemental
- Don’t make assumptions about their situation
- Point them in the direction to seek help
- Check in with them regularly
5 ways to look after your wellbeing
Everyone should take steps to look after their wellbeing and make them feel good. We have listed some things you should keep in mind to ensure you are looking after both your mental and physical health:
1) Go outdoors
Getting out intonature, or even just out for a short walk during your lunch break can benefit both your mental and physical well-being and give you a break from a screen.
2) Connect with others
Connecting with others can help with loneliness and give you a sense of belonging. Whether that is speaking with colleagues at work, meeting with friends or starting a new hobby can boost your mood and well-being.
3) Sleep well
Try to establish a routine to ensure you are getting enough sleep. That could mean going to bed a bit earlier or making sure you wind down properly before bed so you get a quality sleep. Sleep is important as it can affect your mood, appetite and physical wellbeing
4) Practise positivity
Try to put things into a positive perspective. No matter how hard the situation may be, try to look for small positives and celebrate the wins, no matter how small they may be.
5) Take a break
If you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, then take a break. This could mean taking a step away from your desk for a few minutes or taking a day off to do whatever you wish.
How does Oakwood Solicitors offer support to its staff?
We offer free wellbeing support for all employees from their first day. We have hands-on mental health first-aiders who will be there to listen if staff are struggling, don’t know where to turn or just need someone to listen or talk to.
We also run an Employment Assistant Programme (EAP) to give our employees confidential access to counsellors and resources including financial advice, legal advice and mental health support.
List of men’s charities
We have listed some men’s charities that can help with a number of issues faced by boys and men:
Andy’s Man Club – A men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK.
Dads Unlimited – Supporting male victims of domestic abuse, family separation, co-parenting and men’s mental health.
Blue Ribbon Foundation – Raising awareness of male health issues and encouraging men to take positive action
Gingerbread – A free service to support single dads
Lion Heart – To help support people facing redundancy, financial or employment issues.
MIND – Supporting people struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts
MindOut – Mental health services run by and for LGBTQ+ people
StrongMen – To help men going through grief and bereavement
Further reading
Signs of stress and how to combat it – Oakwood Solicitors
Stress at Work – Oakwood Solicitors
There is always help out there!
Always remember that there is someone to talk to, and your GP and the Samaritans are always options if things seem bad and you can’t turn to a friend or relative. You can call the Samaritans at any time of the day or night on 116 123.
Jessica Rowson started as a Paralegal at Oakwood Solicitors in July 2010, qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2013. Following her qualifying as a Solicitor, Jessica established a niche department …
We would love to hear your comments or feedback
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