This article and accompanying webinar (in line with Men’s Health awareness week) focuses on raising awareness around Men’s Health in particular. International Men’s Health Week 2021 is from 14th-20th June and aims to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment among men and boys.
Care first are pleased to announce that Dr Suhel Ahmed from AlldayDr group will be joining our webinar on Tuesday 15th June 2021 at 12pm to talk through and help raise awareness of the following topics regarding Men’s Health:
- Sleeping Issues
- Unintended weight loss
- Weight Gain
- Bowel Changes
- Changing Moles
- Chronic Itching
- Trouble Swallowing
- Jaundice
- Jaw Pain
- Genitourinary Problems including:
- Genital Warts
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Trouble urinating
- Testicular lumps
Following Dr Suhel Ahmed’s presentation on Men’s Health Awareness, Care first will then focus on Men’s Mental Health and look at the support that is available through Care first and also what you can do to help someone else that you may think is struggling with their own mental health.
Do men talk about mental health?
Due to societal expectations of men being strong, dominant and in control, it means that men are typically reluctant to reach out for support when they might need it. Gender stereotypes impact both men and women and their mental health.
There is some research to say that men who can’t speak openly about their emotions are also less likely to recognise the symptoms associated with mental health problems that they may themselves be experiencing. This can result in the use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism as men are much more likely to do this when compared to women.
Is depression different for men and women?
Although depression isn’t different for men and women, men are more likely to display symptoms such as irritability, loss of control, risk taking and aggression. As previously mentioned, they are also more likely to turn to drugs and/or alcohol or exhibit escapist behaviour such as throwing themselves into work or another focus.
What can I do about my own mental health?
If you’re struggling with your own mental health and want to get some tips on how you might be able to help yourself, you can visit the Care first lifestyle site which has a huge range of articles, information, tools and recorded webinars which you may find supportive. Also, don’t forget that Care fist Counsellors are available 24/7 for you to access confidential emotional support in the moment.
How can I help someone who I think is suffering from mental health issues?
If you have a friend or relative who you’re worried about then there are number of things you can do to help them:
- Ensure they feel they can reach out to you by keeping in regular contact with them. People can often find it hard to reach out if they are not reassured of this
- Let them know you’re there for them to listen without judging them
- Find out whether there are any local support groups which might be a good support mechanism for them
- Help them to find help and reassure them that it’s okay to ask for help and that support is out there
- Maintain your own mental health whilst supporting someone else. Supporting others can put a strain on your own mental health, so make sure you look after yourself so you can continue to help them.
How can Care first help?
If you feel you may need some emotional or practical support, you can contact Care first on the Freephone number. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. Whilst our BACP accredited Counsellors are available 24/7 to provide support with emotional issues, our expertly trained Information Specialists are available 8am-8pm Monday-Friday to provide advice on any practical issues that may be causing you a stress or worry and help you feel more in control of a situation.
All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘Men’s Health Awareness” This is being delivered live on Tuesday 15th June at 12pm, please use the below link to register for this session –
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2979735200780663565
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.