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Almost a third of men think their job could be at risk if they discussed mental health issues at work, according to new research by the Movember Foundation.
Global figures released by Movember this week to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day have revealed how despite growing awareness of the male mental health crisis, 30 per cent of men said they would be reluctant to open up about problems they were having in case it had a negative impact on their career.
The international poll* of 4,000 men aged between 18 and 75 commissioned by Movember and carried out by Ipsos MORI, also found that 46 per cent of men would be worried about colleagues making negative comments behind their backs if they discussed mental health issues at work.
A further 36 per cent of men think they could be held back from promotion at work if they mentioned a problem they were finding it difficult to cope with.
Around half (53 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 shows 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.”
The Movember Foundation is committed to tackling the crisis in men’s mental health.
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.
When it comes to tackling issues like this, talking is crucial.
To coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, Movember‘s Man of More Words campaign is focused on encouraging men to talk when they are going through a tough time.
Through a series of videos and social media posts, we’re sharing the stories of men who have benefited from speaking up. They are proof that talking saves lives.
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.
Maher adds: “We’re asking everyone be a Man of More Words. This means being able to admit to a friend or family member when you’re having 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.”
*Research conducted in Australia, USA, Canada, and UK.
