June’s Men’s Health Week is always a good time to take stock of where we are in terms of the bigger issues surrounding men’s physical and mental wellbeing. While there are many things to be optimistic about, it’s also fair to say there is still some way to go in ensuring that men have the right support to stay well.

Mental health statistics

Published in 2020, Mental Health charity Mind’s ‘Get it off your chest’ report provides an interesting insight into what has happened in terms of male mental health over the past 10 years. Their data reveals some encouraging signs, like men reporting they feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help (the percentage is now almost equal with that of women), and now being three times more likely to consult a therapist.

However, conversely there has also been a stark increase in the number of men experiencing mental health issues, particularly since the Coronavirus pandemic began. Alarmingly, the statistics also show that the number of men with suicidal thoughts has doubled in the last 10 years and remains the biggest killer of men under the age of 45. Men still account for 75% of all suicides.

So what can we do to build on the positives and provide workable solutions to the remaining challenges?

Changing the cultural narrative

Historically, women are far more likely to talk openly about their feelings and health problems than men. The traditional male reluctance to open up about these issues is largely due to the outdated stereotypes and expectations entrenched in the concept of masculinity. The idea that ‘real men’ should be stoic and self-reliant – and that talking about problems is a sign of weakness – is a very pervasive one.

But things have begun to take a more encouraging turn over the last few years. While it still exists, the harmful notion that sharing feelings and vulnerabilities somehow renders someone less masculine is thankfully beginning to erode. High profile campaigns and male celebrities talking about their experiences have helped immeasurably in dispelling the stigma surrounding men opening up about their health. As has changing the way we speak to ourselves and others. Phrases like ‘be a man about it’ or ‘man up’ have been part of the cultural vernacular for many years but are now being recognised as unhelpful and are facing a push back.

Creating more male-friendly services

There’s no one size fits all model when it comes to our health and wellbeing but there do appear to be gender differences in terms of the type of support that works. In Mind’s report, men reported that the services that were available to them were not male-friendly or well-suited to their needs and that more gender sensitive options are necessary.

It’s a fact that men and women demonstrate both divergent coping strategies and therapy preferences. For example, men are statistically more likely to turn to substance abuse to cope with their problems. And when they do seek help, the preferred forms of intervention are face to face therapy and physical activity. In creating more spaces and services that are better tailored to cater to men’s particular needs, more men may be encouraged to come forward and access support with more positive results.

What’s happening in West Wales?

Fortunately, there are more and more male-friendly social and support groups springing up cross Ceredigion, Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire. From breakfast clubs and veterans’ groups to men’s sheds and walking projects, service providers and community groups in West Wales are getting creative in their mission to give local men the crucial social networks and advice that helps support their overall wellbeing.

As a positive living resource, we’ve reported on many of the great projects going on for men in the local community. If you want to get involved yourself, or know someone you think might benefit from joining in, just follow the links below for more details.

• CardiShed
• Plant Dewi
• DPJ Foundation
• VC Gallery breakfast club
• Woody’s Lodge
• Walking for wellbeing 
• Get The Boys A Lift

To coincide with Men’s Health Week, Sal spoke to Tom and Tammy on Pure West Radio to talk about the Life Seeker newspaper as a resource for sharing inspiration across west Wales. We’re also running a Life Seeker Men’s Health survey to capture the thoughts and experiences of men across West Wales. If you’d like to share your views anonymously, you can take part in our survey here.