June is Men’s Health Month.
At Therify, we value discussions surrounding women’s health due to the discrimination and oppression that women continue to experience. However, we recognize that men’s health is equally important.
Men’s Health Month focuses on sharing information about preventable illnesses and diseases in men and boys. Men are much less likely than women to seek out preventative care and even to have a primary care provider (PCP).
Regarding men’s mental health, men seek out mental health care at lower rates than women, yet are almost four times more likely to die by suicide. Men may also experience different symptoms of mental health disorders than women – namely, irritability, anger, feelings of apathy, withdrawing from social connections, relying more heavily on substances, or turning to more high-risk behaviors to cope.
Men on average don’t have as many close social ties as women, and often feel they have to face their challenges – mental health or otherwise – alone. The way that men and boys are socialized often focuses on competition and ambition rather than on developing behaviors like emotional expression that lead to close, fulfilling personal relationships.
All of this being said, there are many ways we can change workplace culture to support men’s health.
At your workplace, how can you support men’s health?
- In your communications for Mental Health Awareness Month and mental health resources, describe the act of asking for help as courageous and brave rather than one that shows weakness or reliance on others.
- If your company offers mental health therapy benefits, make sure there are providers included who identify as men and/or who specialize in men’s issues. Some men seeking mental health therapy services feel more comfortable speaking to a man about what’s going on for them.
- If you’re a male HR team member or manager, model vulnerability with your male employees. Try sharing how you’re really feeling in a 1-on-1 to show that your male teammates are welcome to do the same. When they do share, listen and support them rather than dismissing their concerns.
- Actively encourage employees to get screened for colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer, along with getting their heart checked out.
- Consider negative stereotypes and judgments associated with any gender. If folks in your workplace regularly make jokes about crying being feminine, this constrains the ability of men to express emotion. If folks on your team make comments about the leadership being a boy’s club, consider how that leaves out women and folks of other gender identities.
- Be openly supportive of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary employees. Transgender men are men too, and they may have different health needs than the cisgender men on your team. If you don’t already offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming surgery as part of your health plan, consider offering these benefits.
This Men’s Health Month, how can you work to reduce stigma on your team around men seeking support?
