Mental Health Matters

November, recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, is a crucial period dedicated to highlighting and addressing the diverse mental health challenges faced by men. This month emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about men’s health issues, encouraging individuals to not only acknowledge their struggles but also to seek support when necessary. The stigma surrounding men’s mental health can often prevent them from expressing their feelings or reaching out for help. Statistics reveal that men are nearly half as likely as women to report their mental health concerns or to pursue professional guidance. Thus, raising awareness and fostering discussions around these topics is essential, as it can significantly improve the lives of countless men who may be silently battling their mental health issues.

Talk

Engaging in conversations is a powerful step towards breaking down the barriers associated with men’s mental health. Employing the ALEC approach—Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, Check In—can open the door for meaningful dialogues. It’s vital not only to attend to one’s own mental health but also to look out for friends, family members, or classmates who may be in need of support. Movember Conversations provides helpful tools and tips to initiate these critical discussions, ensuring that men feel supported and understood in their journeys towards mental well-being.

Self Care

Self-care plays a pivotal role in maintaining mental health, particularly for men who may feel overwhelmed by societal expectations. Connecting with others through forums like Togetherall can offer a sense of community and support. It’s essential to find someone trustworthy to talk to—whether a friend, relative, or professional—who can lend a listening ear without judgment. Basic self-care practices, such as ensuring adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise, can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health. Additionally, participants are encouraged to reach out to support services, emphasizing resilience and the importance of being available for others once they have found their footing.

Support

Support is readily available for those who seek it. This November, let us all commit to raising awareness, opening dialogues, and prioritizing mental health in men’s lives as part of a greater movement towards understanding and support.

Just remember it’s ok not to be ok. We can all help to change the stigma attached to mental health.

Helplines Avaliable

• Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support at 116 123 
• Shout: 24/7 confidential support at 85258 
• Rethink Mental Illness: Advice and information on therapy, medication, benefits, debt, and more at 0300 5000 927 
• Mind infoline: Information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, and more at 0300 123 3393 
• CALM Helpline and webchat: Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year at 0800 58 58 58 
• Papyrus: HOPELINE247 for the prevention of young suicide at 0800 068 41 41 
• Childline: For children and young people under 19 at 0800 1111 
• SOS Silence of Suicide: For everyone at 0808 115 1505 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 24/7 confidential support and referrals for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use disorders at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. 

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month – A Call to Action for Employers

As October rolls in, so does Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to illuminating the profound impact of breast cancer. With millions affected by this disease each year, it’s crucial for employers to seize this moment to promote health initiatives.

The Global Impact of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not just a statistic; it is a reality that impacts lives across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, resulting in approximately 685,000 fatalities. The stark numbers underscore the urgency for awareness and the necessity for regular screenings, as early detection significantly bolsters survival rates.

Tips for Safe Breast Checks

Empowering employees with knowledge on how to perform breast self-exams can play a pivotal role in personal health management. Here are actionable tips to share:

• Monthly Routine: Recommend that employees conduct self-exams monthly, ideally on the same day each month, to familiarize themselves with their breasts and catch any changes early.
• Visual Inspection: Advise staff to stand in front of a mirror and visually inspect their breasts for any signs of dimpling, puckering, or any changes in size and shape.
• Physical Examination: Guide employees to lie down and use the pads of their fingers to examine the entire breast area in a circular motion, from the outer edge toward the nipple, to identify any lumps or abnormalities.
• Armpit Check: Remind them to extend the examination to the armpit area, as breast tissue can extend into this region, making it essential to check for any unusual signs here as well.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder for everyone to be vigilant about their health. Employers have a unique opportunity to create a culture of awareness and support during this month—and beyond. By implementing educational initiatives and fostering an environment where health checks are encouraged, we can collectively contribute to the fight against breast cancer. Together, let’s raise awareness, promote self-care, and make strides toward a healthier future.

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as:
“Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

The success of the Construction Industry’s positive change in attitude toward mental health and wellbeing, was something we all wanted to become involved with to ensure there was always additional support for work colleagues who may be struggling.

Joe and Sue attended a course to become Mental Health First Aiders in September 2018 and Paul and Trish following in September 2019. Skills learning over the two days focused on offering support to those experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It also encouraged companies to make the workforce aware there was always a safe place to talk.

We have 4 fully qualified Mental Health First Aiders they provide confidential emotional and physical support for our colleagues who maybe struggling with mental health challenges and should further support, for those struggling be required, can arrange further support with established 3rd party organisations.

Paul White – As Site Supervisor I come into daily contact with the whole team on site. They take the opportunity to discuss issues that may be troubling them with me and I know that the course has given me the confidence to listen and offer my support.

Trish Schroeder – Being a mother and employer, I see how todays challenges affect both the young and old and by continuing to develop my knowledge I am able to share their problems in the knowledge that I am able to talk with the confidence needed for such a personal matter.

As the Health, Safety & Training Manager I come into regular contact with the entire workforce. On many occasions they take the opportunity to discuss issues that may be troubling them. The course has given me the additional confidence to listen effectively and support appropriately when employees wish to share their anxieties

Developing skills that make me able to ‘make the difference’ to others by really listening to the issues that are causing distress. Offering support and encouragement to seek the correct professional help if appropriate.

L A Moore Ltd, Joe, Sue, Paul and Trish are Committed to the Initiative …… are you?

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool