Male mental health and the recession

By William Smith

This is ‘Men’s Health Week’ and so it was with particular interest that I read an article on irishtimes.com about just that subject – men’s health and in particular men's mental health.

With redundancy on the rise it is hardly surprising that anxiety, stress and suicide are also on the up. The recession has contributed to a rising incidence of suicide and male mental illness.

What is important is that, in Ireland at least, the mainstream health service providers are responding to the needs of vulnerable people.

Job opportunities are limited and unemployment is nudging 15% in Ireland and the outlook appears to be challenging. Only a few years ago tens of thousands of men would never have believed that they would find themselves unemployed or facing redundancy. Much can still be done to offer hope and renewed self-confidence.

Unfortunately there is a strong link between unemployment and alcohol or drug dependency. It is a downward spiral that all too often leads to isolation, self-harm and relationship breakdown.

It is important that men who are suffering from these, or any, types of mental disorders seek professional help in the early stages. Early detection and treatment can avoid an escalation of symptoms and help in the recovery process.

Re-training and the opportunity to return to the work-place are also vital to build the self-respect and dignity of men.

The World Health Organisation recommends:

Get sufficient sleep
Have an appropriate body weight
Limit alcohol use
Limit or stop tobacco use

All of these recommendations can go a long way to improving mental health and physical health.

Irishtimes.com sites Gerry Duffy as a prime example of what benefits can be had from taking the above steps to improve your overall health. Gerry, 43, won the Ironman challenge in the UK by swimming, cycling and running incredible distances over 10 days. Sixteen years ago Mr. Duffy was overweight and a heavy smoker.

One further step can be taken to improve your health, self-esteem and the community in which you live. If you find yourself with too much time on your hands due to unemployment why not get involved with community initiatives which are designed to encourage participation and volunteerism.

Public awareness and support is needed for those individuals who are struggling with the stresses of unemployment.

There is a great deal of satisfaction when you contribute your time and experience and watch it benefit your community. Help from the health services and from community-based groups can also enhance social cohesion and more importantly give hope for the future.

More on Men's Mental health Week can be found here.