Men’s Mental Health Week 10th - 16th June

The Men’s Health Forum organises Men’s Health Week each year. The week aims to raise awareness of men’s health and to encourage all men to seek help to address any health concerns that they may be experiencing. We believe that there is no health without mental health, and we wholeheartedly advocate for everyone seeking help when they need it.

Why is Men's Health Week important?

The shocking statistics regarding the mental health of workers in our key sectors tell us why Men’s Health Week is so important:

• One man in five dies before the age of 65.

• Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35.

• In 2021, there were 6,319 suicides registered in the UK, of which 507 were in construction alone.

• A third of construction workers live and work with severe levels of anxiety.

• Drivers of work lift trucks had a suicide rate 85% higher than the national average, van drivers were noted to have a rate 25% higher, and drivers of large goods vehicles 20% higher than the national average.

• Virtually all UK farmers (95%) under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today.

My video on suicide prevention highlights signs to spot.

Male Neurodiversity

The link between male suicide and male neurodiversity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has gained increased attention in recent years.

Research suggests that individuals who are neurodivergent, including many males, may face unique challenges that can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues, including depression and thoughts of suicide. Some of these challenges may include difficulties with social communication, sensory processing issues, executive functioning challenges, and feelings of being misunderstood or marginalized by society.

It's important to recognize that not all individuals who are neurodivergent will experience mental health issues or be at risk for suicide. However, it is crucial to consider the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health when addressing suicide prevention efforts, particularly among males who may be less likely to seek help or disclose their struggles.

Some factors that may contribute to the increased risk of suicide among males who are neurodivergent include:

• Social challenges: Males who are neurodivergent may struggle with social interactions, making it difficult to form and maintain relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Difficulty accessing support: Due to stigma, lack of awareness, or challenges with communication, individuals who are neurodivergent may face barriers to accessing appropriate mental health support and resources.

• Co-occurring conditions: Neurodivergent individuals may also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can further increase the risk of suicide.

• Bullying and discrimination: Individuals who are neurodivergent may be at a higher risk of experiencing bullying, discrimination, or social exclusion, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.

As an organisation are you doing enough to support your neurodiverse workforce? My next free webinar on neurodiversity in the workplace is on the 28th June at 11am, email [email protected] to register.

Our next (we hold them monthly) 4 hours Neurodiversity Awareness Workshop is on the 4th July, you can book here, or email us at [email protected]

There are a lot of organisations who can support, one such organisation is Andy’s Man Club, they offer free to attend peer to peer support groups across the UK. #It’s okay to talk.

If you do wish to talk to me further on this topic please email [email protected]

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For further inquiries, company group training or mental health consultancy please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]