Most men find it easy to discuss embarrassing physical health issues without hesitation. Yet when it comes to our mental health, there is a widespread belief that these matters are best kept to ourselves.
I have personally encountered this belief since my teenage years, through college, and up until today. This stems from societal expectations of masculinity and various environmental factors discouraging vulnerability. Men are often afraid of being seen as weak by their peers.
In my experience, this tendency to avoid vulnerability began in sixth grade, when my friends and I imitated the behavior of my closest friend’s older brother and his group, all admired for their stamina on the football field. soccer. These ideals have been further reinforced by the depiction of male characters in the media we consume, who have never engaged in real conversations about their emotions with their peers.
Over the past 30 years, within my network of friends, there has been a shared understanding that displaying weaknesses or vulnerabilities is deemed unacceptable in our ultra-masculine culture.
Key indicators continue to move in the wrong direction
Impact of anxiety and depression one in ten menYet fewer than half seek mental health treatment. According to Mental Health Americamore than 6 million men suffer from depression each year, and many cases go underdiagnosed or untreated.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among working-age men. Although suicide results from many factors, increasing rates of depression documented in men since 2021 have certainly contributed to this. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared alarming figureswhich show that suicides are more common in the United States today than at any time since World War II.
Men often have ingrained perceptions that view depression and anxiety not as natural aspects of the human experience, but as indicators of fundamental weakness, shame, and embarrassment.
Avoiding difficult discussions about mental health throughout our lives can lead to an unwillingness to confront or properly manage emotions in the workplace, where various triggers can arise.
How leaders can be catalysts for meaningful change in mental health
So how can HR and HR leaders play a role in promoting meaningful change in men’s mental health? This starts with dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Leading by example and engaging in difficult conversations with empathy are effective ways to do this.
It’s also essential to create safe spaces where male employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with their managers. Creating an inclusive, non-judgmental and empathetic work culture forms the foundation of this, and when other leaders share their own experiences, it can inspire others to open up.
A notable example is the Creators Summit on Mental Health, an initiative of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. During round table To end stigma and empower men to prioritize mental health, Dr. Martin Pierre, Ph.D., former president of the Massachusetts Psychological Association, emphasized the power of connection.
He says: “Connection allows men to recognize their own humanity… safe spaces allow men to bear witness to each other’s pain as a means of debriefing and affirmation and allowing them to be vulnerable with each other… when you reveal, you heal. »
There are several important steps leaders can take to become catalysts for meaningful change in supporting men’s mental health.
Effective communication strategies and active listening
Movembera global non-profit organization, is tackling the men’s health crisis by funding groundbreaking projects and providing trusted, expert information to help men cope and live happier, healthier, longer .
They suggest a four-step approach called ALEC— ask, listen, encourage action, check — as a guide for leaders when initiating, leading, and following up on important conversations with male employees facing mental health challenges.
How to ask
Having honest conversations about mental health can be as simple as asking employees how they are doing and what has happened recently. The key to helping someone open up is asking the right questions at the right time.
Movember experts point out the benefits of casually bringing up what you’ve noticed in a private conversation with the employee, because opening up and expressing emotions doesn’t come naturally to men. Whether it’s about different or irrelevant actions or behaviors, asking leading questions in a non-confrontational way is a great strategy for sparking a meaningful conversation.
How to listen
Active listening is about more than just hearing employees speak. A good listener, especially in a leader, requires complete concentration and attention during a conversation to fully understand possible issues. There is a temptation to listen without hearing because we are so focused on responding with the right things or conveying personal points of view. This can cause us to miss important things the employee is communicating.
How to encourage action
Encouraging your employees to take action on the topics discussed, at all levels, is an important step towards recovery and improved mental health.
Movember experts say one of the best ways to support male employees is to guide possible solutions. The caveat is that you need to be careful, don’t push too hard, and be sensitive to what they are experiencing. What may seem very simple or easily achievable to you may be an incomprehensible challenge for them.
How to register
Checking in with your employees regularly is an essential step after having one-on-one conversations about mental health and emotional well-being.
Movember reminds us that you will never make things worse by regularly reaching out to male employees. This shows them that they are not alone and that you meant what you said. Your actions to support them will speak volumes.
Authentic leadership
Promoting men’s mental health in the workplace requires setting an example through actions, not just words. Leaders can effectively lead by example and break long-standing stigmas by:
- Prioritize their own mental health
- Discuss their mental health issues openly
- Share personal experiences and positive results from seeking help
Awareness of signs of struggle
A critical skill to develop is the ability to discern the warning signs of at-risk male employees experiencing mental health issues. This is often refined during comprehensive training, equipping HR and HR managers with the tools to approach employees strategically and initiate exploratory conversations.
Face to face leadership training teaches managers and supervisors how to identify employees who are struggling and combat any stigma that prevents them from seeking help. Mental Health First Aid Training is also valuable because it provides participants with the knowledge needed to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use issues.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Poor work performance
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
- Sudden withdrawal or drop in communication with others
- Gradual increase in days away from the office (sick days)
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
- Tendency to engage in conflict
Duty of Care: How to Help Male Employees Seek Help
As an HR manager, here are several additional strategies to encourage your male employees to seek help for their mental health issues:
- Avoid assumptions: Don’t assume employees have everything they need to take care of their mental health. Even if your organization has a health care plan or EAP with a mental health component, make sure actual needs are met. Advocate for sufficient mental health support if needed.
- Focus on engagement: Once a mental health solution is in place, focus on engaging male employees. This requires commitment from HR leaders, involving financial investment in mental health support and a real dedication to duty of care. Provide flexibility for employees to pursue therapy when needed and ensure they receive effective care.
- Proactive presence: Be proactive and present by exploring innovative ways to stay informed about the mental health needs of male employees. Solving problems requires specific knowledge, so be informed and proactive in creating solutions.
Providing employees with expanded access to precision mental health care
A Innovative EAP as Spring Health offers expanded access to precise, personal and proven mental health care while maintaining 100% confidentiality. An advanced EAP program can be a catalyst for normalizing support for male workers, removing stigma-reinforced barriers that prevent them from seeking the help they need.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing at work leads to healthier, happier and more engaged employees who can be fully present at work. This in turn contributes to increased productivity and better results for your business.
Remember that everyone is going through something and therapy can be a valuable resource for support.
Learn employers can better help working men balance their work commitments and fatherly responsibilities.
