Men’s mental health | The power of conversation

By Tracey Ward, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Generali UK Employee Benefits

Statistics on men’s mental health and suicide abound but can only tell us so much. They can only tell us about the mental health problems that been reported. Many cases probably go undiagnosed. The cultural shift required to tackle this problem – to break the stigma and encourage men to talk – is happening, says Oli Vikse, Project Development Champion at Andy’s Man Club, a free-to-attend, nationwide, peer to peer support group. But there’s still so much more that can be done.

“There’s always been this image that the man has to be this tough head of the household and not talk about problems,” says Oli. “But that’s not the case. There are lots of avenues available now – both in and out of the workplace. It’s dangerous when men think they need to shoulder it alone.”

Although statistics have limitations, they do help provide an indicator.