You’re a man having a bad day at work. Do you:
- immediately admit you’re struggling and step away from the task;
- put off thinking about it until later; or
- shrug your shoulders and ‘just get on with it’?
If the answer is 2 or 3, does this become routine? Putting off thinking about it can be by distraction – maybe by doing more work or having a drink. Have a beer with your mates? Because we all know how reflective a group of men (known as a Round of Blokes?) can be when they’ve had a few drinks…
Despite this, you’re used to it; you’re fine. And then you’re not. And if you’re not fine and you’re working away from home, often in isolation (physical or mental), on a task you can’t not do – that’s essential you get right – what happens then?
What we have are all the ingredients for a male mental health bomb. The damage when the bomb goes off is immense and, in the worst case, can last a lifetime and beyond for families dealing with the consequences.
Industries at the sharp end of the male mental health crisis
There’s a number of industries that increase the chances of this bomb going off – aviation & offshore energy are just a couple that spring to mind, for obvious reasons – but the problem is sadly much bigger than this. Agriculture in the UK is seeing alarming increases in male suicide rates, with many young men experiencing financial hardship, a lack of hope and isolation, so it’s rapidly apparent how much this problem is literally hiding in plain sight.
Of course, it’s not just men that have mental health challenges, but suicide rates in men are three times that of women. That alone is a reason not to shrug our shoulders and ‘just get on with it’.
The lack of diversity in key aviation roles (pilots, engineers) means this is common in our workplace; and there’s sadly still a lack of diversity in many boardrooms, so I personally also see more than the average number of high performing males in business not living their best lives, despite the apparent trappings of success.
Developing a programme of workplace support
This is one of the reasons I took on the role of Chair of Trustees at Menscraft, a Norfolk-based charity supporting men and boys. It’s also because in my own day job as CEO of Saxon Air, a UK aviation services business, I see and experience the reality of a workplace where there’s historically a Round of Men not talking about their problems.
There is a positive way forwards. In the short time I’ve been involved in MensCraft, I’ve seen the passionate expertise on offer, including multiple opportunities or pathways for men -some of whom have lost everything – to rebuild and lead happier, healthier lives through activity, meaning and connection – with themselves and others. At Saxon Air, we’ve showcased the other end of the spectrum, where material and career success hasn’t led to feelings of fulfilment.
A bomb going off causes damage. It also creates new energy, and when MensCraft and Saxon Air work together on damage prevention, I’ve seen this happen. Our recent joint Breaking the Silence event brought this home to me: the event highlighted the range of men’s mental health pressures across age groups, whereas it’s typically discussed as singular events/exposures, by income/lack of, life/health crisis.
A more holistic approach to men's health and wellbeing
I felt like it was the start of a more holistic approach – not just breaking the silence and reducing the stigma – but breaking down the barriers between young and old, wealth and poverty, work and home, and rigid societal expectations of men and boys. There can also be a triangular fluidity – a discussion between generations and demographics informed by data and expertise.
Let’s see. It’s Men’s Health Week: if we can increase discussion, be more open about our own feelings, then perhaps we can have fewer bad days – and maybe even turn them into good ones.
Alex Durand is Chair of Trustees at MensCraft
Find out more about him and other trustees