In England it is estimated that as many as 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or ODC (obsessive compulsive disorder)[1]. However, it is extremely difficult to know just how accurate these statistics are as this only accounts for mental health conditions which have been reported – meaning that in reality, the number could be much higher.
With men in particular it is difficult to monitor just how many people are being impacted by poor mental health – one of the main contributing factors... not talking. It’s often very difficult for men to open up and speak about their mental health and body image. But why? A lot of it boils down to societal expectations and traditional gender roles – the requirement to be seen as an alpha male who is strong and controlled – but what is often forgotten is that as with women, these stereotypes and so-called ‘ideals’ can be seriously damaging to everyone.
It is reported that 38% of men would sacrifice a year of their life in return for the ‘perfect’ body, with over 80% of men speaking in ways that promote anxiety about their body image, with women at 75% comparatively [2]. One person who has recently put the spotlight on men’s mental health and the importance of addressing and opening up about how we are feeling is ex cricketer and TV personality, Freddie Flintoff. In a BBC documentary, Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia, openly spoke about his struggles with body image and mental health – and encourages others to do the same. And it’s vital that we do.
Let’s look at some facts from mentalhealth.org:
Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men
Men are 3 times more likely than women to turn to alcohol and frequent drug use as a result of their mental health
The number of men dying from suicide is 3 times higher than women
With suicide the biggest killer of men under 50 we don’t have time to hold back. We have a message for men – talk to us, we are here. It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to have body image worries. And most importantly, you are not alone.
Sometimes we don’t want to feel what we’re feeling, and this makes sense when the feelings are frightening, unknown, or feel huge and overwhelming. We don’t want to face them so we keep ourselves occupied or distracted with TV, computer games, reading or drinking. Sometimes our habits can be to fill our lives with distractions.
However, our emotions need to circulate. Suppressing negative emotions will lead to symptoms of mental illness and depression, which begin to manifest in both our minds and body.
The blocks of suffering, pain, sorrow, anger or despair need our attention.
Our top tips for men experiencing difficult thoughts of feelings about their body image:
Talk. There is great strength in vulnerability
Use mindfulness. Mindfulness is a helpful technique as it stimulates and accelerates circulation throughout blocks of pain. By using mindfulness you can become aware of the emotions you are experiencing and accept them
Get active and nourish your body
Remind yourself that muscly images you see are not realistic, do not represent the majority of men and are never a measure of your worth
Reach out to us at Ldn Dares for advice on how you can form a positive relationship with your body
Maybe you’re concerned about a man in your life? Try visiting our 'How to help those struggling with body confidence during the holidays' blog, although it isn’t the holidays there are some tips you may find useful.
If you’d like to know more about how Ldn Dares can help you, please get in touch or visit our Programs. We are here for you, let’s talk.
Written by Ldn Dares Artistic Director and Body Confidence Coach Ursula Joy
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/06/body-image-concerns-men-more-than-women
Visit our blog archive.