Men’s Health Week

This week is Men’s Health Week, and we want to shine a spotlight on the men working in healthcare, whose own health too often takes a backseat to the demands of the job, mentally and physically.

Working in healthcare can be both rewarding and relentless. Long hours, emotional exhaustion, and a culture of “pushing through” can take a toll on mental and physical health, especially for men, who are less likely to express vulnerability or seek support. Men’s Health Week is a time to change that narrative.

It’s an opportunity to remind our male colleagues, friends, and loved ones that their health matters just as much as the patients they care for.

Men’s Health Week – Did you know?

Men are less likely to seek mental health care, even when showing signs of burnout, stress, or depression.
Male doctors and nurses report higher rates of work-related stress but lower rates of accessing mental health resources.
1 in 8 men experience a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.
Men make up 75% of suicide deaths, often due to untreated or undiagnosed mental illness.
1 in 3 male doctors has experienced depression. Additionally, men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women.
48% of men agreed they felt a degree of pressure to “tough it out” when it came to potential health issues, while a third agreed they felt talking about potential health concerns might make others see them as weak.

The emotional labour of caregiving in the healthcare industry can build up so easily, and it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, or worse. Mental health isn’t a weakness; it’s a completely natural thing that many people suffer with, and it’s a big factor of staying healthy for a medical job. This Men’s Health Week is the perfect opportunity to break this stigma.

Prioritise Your Own Wellbeing

Schedule your own routine check-ups and screenings
Maintain healthy eating and sleep habits, even during shift work
Fit in movement, even if it’s a short walk or a stretch
Make time to socialise with people you care about, it supports emotional well-being and reduces stress.
Reduce reliance on coping mechanisms like alcohol, caffeine, or overworking
Use available resources like employee assistance programmes, peer support networks, or therapy.
Know the signs of burnout, depression, and emotional fatigue: feeling detached, irritability, lack of motivation, and sleep issues.

Friends and Family

Friends and family play a vital role in supporting the mental health of male healthcare workers, who often face intense pressure yet may hesitate to open up due to stigma or cultural expectations. Regularly checking in and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for honest conversations can make a significant difference. Encourage healthy habits like sufficient sleep, nutrition, and time off, and gently watch for signs of burnout, such as irritability or emotional withdrawal. This Men’s Health week is a great time to start doing this more often.

Colleagues and Leaders

As colleagues and leaders, we can contribute to a workplace that encourages wellness for all genders, but especially for men who may be silently struggling with their health.

Encourage regular health check-ins
Normalise mental health conversations in team meetings
Celebrate stories of resilience and vulnerability
Support flexible schedules and realistic workloads

Help reduce stigma by reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Simple acts like planning relaxing time together or giving them space to decompress shows you care and makes a big difference.

Men’s Health Week isn’t just about patients, it’s about everyone. You are part of what makes healthcare systems strong. Let’s make sure you have the strength, support, and space to thrive, not just as a healthcare worker, but as a human being.