This week marks Men's Health Week, a week that aims to raise awareness around the health issues that affect men disproportionately, whilst focusing on encouraging men to become aware of problems they may have or could develop, whilst encouraging them to gain the courage to do something about it.
Some of these statistics regarding men's health are quite alarming. As we sadly know, three out of four suicides are committed by men, 12.5 per cent of men suffer from mental health disorders, and men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent. Men are also more likely to use and die from illegal drugs. All of this and more culminates in the fact that the ultimate indicator of health, our life expectancy, means that men die four years younger than women in the UK.
Mims urges all Members of Parliament to join her in taking the opportunity to mark Men's Health Week, raise awareness of the issues facing men, and also encourage them to do something about it.
On Men’s Mental Health Week, the Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies, said:
Men’s mental health is in crisis and the stigma that asking for help and support when you need it is somehow weak or wrong must be stamped out.
That’s why, during this year’s focus on mental health on Men’s Health Week, I’m proud to support and promote the value of the work local projects provide to men who need help.
Hubs provide a lifeline for those who need support and I really encourage those who feel they need help to reach out and ask for when they do. It’s ok not to be ok.
Charities and Organisations that offer support include:
- Men’s Health Forum – https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/
- CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably – https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Movember -Supporting Men’s Health – https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
- Father’s Reaching Out, Father’s Mental Health – https://www.reachingoutpmh.co.uk/
- Men’s Sheds UK – Support for Lonely Older Men – https://menssheds.org.uk/
- Mind – www.mind.org.uk