How to Overcome Male Stereotypes and Support Men’s Mental Health in the Workplace

Introduction

We all know that mental health is a serious issue. In Nigeria alone, approximately one in eight of us will experience depression, anxiety, or another common mental health problem each week. However, it is difficult to talk about mental illness – especially for men. 

We have heard cases of people telling men not to cry in painful situations, for example, dealing with the loss of a loved one while masking the emotions they feel.

Men are more likely to deal with their emotions by using alcohol or other substances, being physically active, or taking out anger on others. Male stereotypes in the workplace can influence these behaviors and make them worse for men experiencing mental health issues. However, as a society, we can work to overcome gender norms and support men’s mental health issues at work so that they feel comfortable seeking help in the future.

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Mental Health in Men – What is it, Why Does it Matter?

Mental health is not only the absence of a mental illness but also includes emotional well-being and an individual’s ability to cope with life. With men’s mental health, many misconceptions and stereotypes cause many men not to seek help when they need it. It is essential for everyone in your organization to understand what men’s mental health is, why it matters in the workplace, and how you can help support men who may struggle with their mental health issues. 

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What Are the Signs?

Men experience depression and anxiety; however, research shows that the prevalence of any anxiety disorder was higher for females (23.4%) than for males (14.3%), and men are less likely than women to seek treatment or talk about their feelings. The signs of male depression can be hard to spot, which include:

• More irritability than usual
• Increased anger or frustration
• Feeling hopeless
• Changes in appetite, including loss of appetite for food or weight loss
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, such as hobbies or sports
• Sleep problems
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you notice one or more of these signs, seek medical help immediately.

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Mental Health in the workplace: Why Companies Should Worry About Their Employee’s Health

Why Is It Important to Bring Men’s Mental Health into the Workplace?

The statistics are alarming: men are less likely to seek help when struggling with mental health issues. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness and die by suicide at least three times higher than women. These facts make it vital to discuss men’s mental health in the workplace.

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Duties of employers in the mental health of employees

Employers have not paid enough attention to this issue, but it deserves attention. The employer’s duty to safeguard the mental health of all employees includes:

• Employers can ensure that their employees have access to mental health services by offering flexible work schedules, onsite counseling and therapy options, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and peer support programs.
• Review employee performance to identify any barriers to work productivity.
• Ensure an equal opportunity system is in place.
• Provide training to managers, supervisors, and other employees on recognizing signs of depression in employees.
• Ensure there is a zero-tolerance of bullying and harassment and a laid down policy to deal with complaints. 

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Male stereotypes and how the society can help them overcome it

Society sees men as emotionless and stoic workhorses. Most men do not want to live up to it. But it is also an unrealistic expectation for men to defy. Men need to express their emotions at work and in their personal lives.

It can be difficult for men to get help when they are experiencing depression or anxiety because society still expects them to handle things. It can make them feel even more like failures than they already do. We can help males overcome these stereotypes by:

• Supporting men with mental health challenges
• Become a role model for other men
• Take action for mental health
• Be a friend to struggling men
• Providing time and space for them to express themselves. 
• Listen to others when they share their stories
• Remember the importance of confidentiality: keep what you hear private!

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Conclusion

We hope this article has convinced you that not only are male mental health issues real and deserving of our attention, but it is also up to us to create a safe environment for the men in our lives. Although we may not ‌change the world overnight, we can each ‌work to help diminish gender stereotypes in our workplaces by encouraging open conversations about mental health, eliminating stigmas and biases against men, and providing support in their time of need. By doing these things, we will slowly but surely ‌change the culture of how men deal with mental illness.

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