International Men’s Day: Starting real conversations about mental health

International Men’s Day on Sunday, 19 November has been developed to highlight the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities while crucially raising awareness of men’s wellbeing.

The theme for 2023 is ‘Zero Male Suicide’, a hugely important topic that emphasises the men’s health themes being recognised throughout November as part of the Movember campaign. 

To mark International Men’s Day 2023, men across RSK have shared their stories on managing mental health to encourage conversation around this important subject.

We put some questions to RSK colleagues, Martin Yves, RSK Geosciences & Engineering Business Development Manager: Binnies UK Project Manager David Inch and Ollie Folayan, Head of Process and Safety Engineering, Optimus Plus (part of PD&MS Group), to hear their thoughts on the issue and find out how they look after their mental health.

Why is it important to talk about male mental health?

Martin: It is an often-overlooked topic for a number of reasons – almost like a taboo for some people. Talking about male mental health can help break the silence and stigma around this issue and encourage men to seek help and support when they need it.

David: Historically, in the UK, men have tended to keep burning issues to themselves, be it work or family issues, which has had a concerning effect on depression and suicide rates. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, and as we talk more about mental health there will be less stigma, so people who need help will find it easier to put up their hand and get the support they need.

Ollie:  We need to talk about male mental health because the evidence shows that suicides disproportionately affect men. According to the Office for National Statistics, in England, the overall suicide rate in 2021 was 10.5 per 100,000, compared to 10.0 per 100,000 in 2020 and 10.8 per 100,000 in 2019. In 2021, the male suicide rate was 15.8 per 100,000, compared to a female suicide rate of 5.5 per 100,000. In Scotland, males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females. We have come from a culture in which discussing mental health has often been mistaken for a lack of mental toughness, and we still have lot to do to change this perception.

What do you do to look after your mental health, and what tips would you give to other men?

Martin: I try to have a healthy lifestyle: eat well, sleep well (it’s an old cliché but never fails), spend quality time with family, travel and get immersed in good music.

David: I try to get exercise and book some ‘me’ time in the diary. Currently, I do the Cramond Parkrun in Edinburgh on a Saturday morning. The 5 k run caters for all abilities and all age groups and has a great atmosphere with everyone helping each other to do their best. It’s a flat course, which on a good day has stunning views of the Forth Estuary, which makes it easy to tune out and get your head in the right place. I’m currently working to get my personal best down to sub-23.5 minutes by the end of the year!

I’m also team secretary and coach for one of my sons’ U15s youth football team. As coaches will know, running a youth football team can come with its own stresses; however, it gets me out in the fresh air twice a week in the dark winter’s nights. I get to play at being a football manager and when the team performs well on a Sunday and the kids are enjoying it (and getting exercise at the same time), I have done my job.

Ollie: I have had to learn to be honest, first with myself and then with family and friends. Speaking up is the most important thing that one can do. We must reject the narrow stereotypical norms that constrain men’s physical and emotional health and negatively impact their relationships with women, other men and children. If you are having suicidal thoughts, talk to someone. Admitting you are struggling is not a sign of weakness – far from it – vulnerability is strength.

What does it mean to you to have RSK talk about this critical subject?

Martin: It means a lot. It means empathy, compassion and care. It can improve the wellbeing and productivity of employees, as well as the quality of the work they produce, by addressing the causes and consequences of stress, burnout, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that may affect men.

David: It means that RSK is bringing mental health issues to the fore and is a caring employer. RSK is supportive and wants to provide a safe environment for everyone to work in and give people the skills and resources they need to get through life and deal with mental health issues.

Ollie: It is great to have an employer who thinks about the “whole you” at work. When people can bring their best selves to work it doesn’t just make for a better working environment, less absenteeism and attrition, it results in a more engaged workforce and is ultimately likely to improve the bottom line. I therefore applaud RSK Group for not only marking International Men’s Day but seeking to create a healthy and psychologically safe environment every day.

For more information on International Men’s Day 2023, visit the official website.