Men’s Health Week

As Men’s Health Week unfolds, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the men working hard in healthcare, professionals whose own well-being often gets overlooked amid the pressures of their roles, both mentally and physically.

Healthcare work is rewarding but demanding. Extended shifts, emotional strain, and a culture that encourages “just getting through it” can seriously impact men’s mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many men find it harder to open up or seek help when struggling. Men’s Health Week offers a crucial chance to shift this mindset.

It’s an opportunity to remind the men in our workplaces, families, and communities that their health deserves attention and care, just like the patients they dedicate themselves to.

Men’s Health Week – Did you know?

Men are less likely to seek mental health care, even when showing signs of burnout, stress, or depression.
Male doctors and nurses report higher rates of work-related stress but lower rates of accessing mental health resources.
1 in 8 men experience a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.
Men make up 75% of suicide deaths, often due to untreated or undiagnosed mental illness.
1 in 3 male doctors has experienced depression. Additionally, men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women.
48% of men agreed they felt a degree of pressure to “tough it out” when it came to potential health issues, while a third agreed they felt talking about potential health concerns might make others see them as weak.

The emotional demands of caregiving in healthcare can build up very quickly, often resulting in exhaustion, anxiety, depression, or even more serious challenges. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, it’s a natural part of the human experience that many face. Prioritising mental well-being is essential to staying healthy and effective in medical roles. This Men’s Health Week presents an important opportunity to challenge the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Prioritise Your Wellbeing

Schedule your own routine check-ups and screenings.
Maintain healthy eating and sleep habits, even during shift work.
Fit in movement, even if it’s a short walk or a stretch.
Make time to socialise with people you care about, it supports emotional well-being and reduces stress.
Reduce reliance on coping mechanisms like alcohol, caffeine, or overworking.
Use available resources like employee assistance programmes, peer support networks, or therapy.
Know the signs of burnout, depression, and emotional fatigue: feeling detached, irritability, lack of motivation, and sleep issues.

Friends and Family

Friends and family play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of male healthcare workers, who often face intense pressure but may hesitate to share their struggles due to stigma or expectations. Regular check-ins and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for honest conversations can make a big difference.

Encourage healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time off. Be attentive to signs of burnout, like irritability or emotional withdrawal. Men’s Health Week is the perfect time to start making these supportive actions a regular part of your care.

Colleagues and Leaders

As colleagues and leaders, we can contribute to a workplace that encourages wellness for all genders, but especially for men who may be silently struggling with their health.

While health and well-being should be inclusive of all genders, it’s especially important to recognise that many men may be silently struggling with their physical or mental health. Due to lingering stigma or expectations around masculinity, they may avoid opening up or seeking help. By promoting open dialogue, modelling healthy behaviours, and offering visible support, we can help break down these barriers. Creating a supportive environment where male colleagues feel safe to prioritise their health not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the entire team.

Encourage regular health check-ins
Normalise mental health conversations in team meetings
Celebrate stories of resilience and vulnerability
Support flexible schedules and realistic workloads

Help reduce stigma by reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Simple acts like planning relaxing time together or giving them space to decompress show you care and make a big difference.

Men’s Health Week isn’t just about patients, it’s about everyone. You are part of what makes healthcare systems strong. Let’s make sure you have the strength, support, and space to thrive, not just as a healthcare worker, but as a human being.

Help break the stigma by reminding those around you that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s encouraging someone to talk, planning time to relax together, or simply giving them space to decompress after a long shift, small acts of care can have a powerful impact. These gestures show support, build trust, and remind healthcare workers that they’re not alone.

If you’re a male healthcare worker, know that your well-being matters. You are a vital part of what makes healthcare strong. Let’s ensure you have the strength, support, and space to thrive, not just as a professional, but as a person.