The NHS ‘Every Mind Matters’ website identifies that the Covid-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted on people’s mental health in a variety of different ways, such as worrying about health and that of loved ones, being anxious about finances, and struggling with boredom, frustration and loneliness. As such, here at View HR we have been working closely with employers who are working harder than ever to look after the wellbeing of all their employees and themselves.
As November is also the month of Movember, we wanted to highlight the work of the Movember movement on men’s mental health (they aren’t just about moustaches!). The mental health of all employees is of course important, however they define their gender. However, men’s mental health is an important topic, as 2019 data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) shows that the suicide rate for men in England and Wales was the highest for two decades. The data also shows that:
The Samaritans have conducted research into why men are disproportionately affected, and have identified factors such as opportunities to help them at critical points before they reached crisis were missed.
And so what signs should you look out for in yourself or others to identify if help may be needed? The Samaritans and Rethink Mental Illness set out examples such as:
- Lacking energy or feeling tired/exhausted
- Being anxious or irritable
- Finding it hard to concentrate or experiencing ‘brain fog’
- Tearfulness or wanting to cry
- Not wanting to talk to or be with people
- Changes in mood
- Not wanting to do things that are usually enjoyed
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks