September 10, 2019

Health & Wellbeing

By Movember UK

Over a quarter of British men fear discussing mental health at work could risk their job

• New research released by Movember ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (10th Sept)
• The study also found that only 49% of employed men said they would be able to take time off work for mental health or personal issues

9th September 2019 – Figures released by Movember ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow have revealed how despite growing awareness of the male mental health crisis, 27per cent fear their job could be at risk if they discussed their mental health at work.

The poll of 1,000 UK men aged between 18 and 75 commissioned by Movember and carried out by Ipsos MORI, also found that 43 per cent of employed men would be worried about colleagues making negative comments behind their backs if they discussed mental health issues at work.

A further 32 per cent of employed men think they could be held back from promotion at work if they discussed mental health issues at work.

Around half (49 per cent) of employed men said they would be able to take time off work, if they were struggling with their mental health or other personal issues.

The research suggests that stigma surrounding mental health is still preventing men from talking about their problems and seeking help when they need it.

Movember’s global mental health and suicide prevention director Brendan Maher: “Although we’ve made great progress in starting to talk openly about how we are feeling, there are many men worried that a personal mental health challenge might be revealed, especially in the workplace.

“We need to find effective ways of tackling that stigma so that men aren’t discouraged from getting the help they need.”  

“In the workplace, this can start with leaders encouraging conversations about the tough stuff and reminding staff that they won’t be marked down and will be supported if they are struggling.”

Movember is committed to tackling the crisis in men’s mental health through its investment in mental health programs and encouraging men to talk openly about their problems.

Three out of four suicides are men and it remains the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 44.

Risk factors that increase a man’s vulnerability to poor mental health and suicide include relationship breakdown, acute stress, persistent low mood and social isolation.

To coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Movember‘s Man of More Words campaign is focused on encouraging men to open up when they are going through a tough time.

Through a series of videos and social media posts, the charity is sharing the stories of men who have benefited from speaking up. 

Movember’s research also shows that over three quarters of men (77 per cent) polled believe that talking openly is an effective way of tackling problems. 

Brendan Maher adds: “We’re asking everyone be a ‘Man of More Words’. We know it can be sometimes difficult to have those conversations but it’s crucial that people reach out to someone when they are facing a tough time.”

“It could also mean reaching out to a friend who you think might be having a tough time - and taking the time to stop and really listen to him.”

For more information, go to Movember.com