MHFA – A Reflection of Men’s Health Week, August 2022

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) explore the physical and mental health challenges that men face today in an impartial discussion with the Lifestyle Editor of GQ magazine.

Many people are starting to talk about mental health. However, it can still be difficult to find the right time to do this, or even know how someone else will react.

Even today the fear of stigma, of judgement and lack of understanding can mean people will still struggle with their feelings on their own.

In the workplace, if an employee has a mental health issue, it is right and proper that an employer takes it seriously.

It can help to talk to employees to find out what support they might need at work, because often simple changes to the person's working arrangements or responsibilities could be enough.

A study in recent years showed that only a quarter of men would openly tell colleagues if they were struggling with their mental health, with nearly 2 out of 5 of them saying they found it hard to spot the signs when a friend wanted to open up.

If male staff were given the reassurance they can talk openly about mental health, then problems are less likely to build up, which could lead to less time being taken off at work because of a mental health issue, and even morale could improve.

In one of their latest features, and following on from Men’s Health Week in June, national group Mental Health First Aid talk to the Lifestyle Editor of GQ magazine about the physical and mental health challenges that men are facing today.

In this personal and interactive discussion, they explore the modern expectations of today’s man and how this has an impact on their mental and physical health.

They also highlight the importance of sharing information and knowledge to provide awareness, encouraging men to reach out for support when they need it.

To read about and watch the discussion, visit the MHFA website.