Legal News

New research from mental health charity Mind shows that men are twice as likely to have mental health problems due to their job, compared to problems outside of work.

Researchers found that one in three men (32%) attribute poor mental health to their job, compared to one in seven men (14%) who say it is problems outside of work.

Women, however, said that their job and problems outside of work were equal contributing factors, with one in five women saying that their job was the reason for their poor mental health – the same number as those who say problems outside of work are to blame (19%).

Mind surveyed 15,000 employees across 30 organisations, of which 1,763 were currently experiencing poor mental health. The research has been released as Mind urges employers to sign up to the Workplace Wellbeing Index 2017/18.

The Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice when it comes to staff mental health, designed to celebrate the positive work employers are carrying out to promote and support positive mental health – and to provide key recommendations on the specific areas where there is room to improve.

The data also shows that men were less prepared to seek help and take time off than women – while two in five women (38%) felt the culture in their organisation made it possible to speak openly about their mental health problems, only one in three men (31%) felt the same.

Researchers also found that two in five women (43%) have taken time off for poor mental health at some point in their career – but this is true for just one in three men (29%).

Mind says this suggests that, although men are more likely to have mental health problems because of their job, women are more likely to open up and seek support from their line manager or employer.

Previous Mind research suggests that men often try to find ways of dealing with their problems independently, rather than reaching out and sharing their problems.

Instead of talking about their problems, men prefer to watch TV, exercise or self-medicate, such as drink alcohol.

Mind is urging men to open up and ask for help earlier on, so they can receive the support they need, before they reach crisis point.

The findings also show a difference in how men and women feel they’re being supported in the workplace, with three in five women (58%) feeling their manager regularly checks in on how they are feeling, whereas only half of men (49%) agreed.

The results show, however, that line managers feel confident in supporting employees with mental health problems – three in four line managers (74%) feel confident in supporting a team member with mental health problems.

The results show a discrepancy between how male and female line managers feel they promote workplace wellbeing, with only three in five male line managers (60%) feeling they have a good understanding of how to promote the mental wellbeing of staff, compared to three in four female line managers (74%).

Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, Emma Mamo, said:

“Our research shows that work is the main factor causing men poor mental health, above problems outside work – many men work in industries where a macho culture prevails, or where a competitive environment may exist which prevents them from feeling able to be open.

“It is concerning that so many men find themselves unable to speak to their bosses about the impact that work is having on their wellbeing – and even more worrying that they are then not asking to take time off when they need it.

“Our research shows that the majority of managers feel confident in supporting employees with mental health problems, but they can only offer extra support if they’re aware there is a problem.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.