Men and Mental Health

Men & Mental Health By Tombe Tombe

One in four people in the UK have experienced mental illness. Going through mental illness is bad enough but often, for almost two thirds of people with mental health problems, the stigma and discrimination experienced is as bad the symptoms of their condition.

Admitting you have mental health problems and seeking help may be as hard as dealing with the problem itself. People need to know and understand that mental illness is more common than people may know and that looking down on or brushing it under the carpet makes the situation worse. I will be focusing on men's mental health, as it carries the most social stigma and men are more likely to feel uncomfortable discussing or admitting mental illness. Sometimes, you may not even know that you are experiencing mental illness, but you feel as though something is just not right.

You may be feeling more emotional, more lethargic, less sociable and you might stop wanting to do activities you usually enjoy. You may also feel agitated or find it hard to concentrate at work. This is understandably hard to deal, with people looking fine on the outside but unwell mentally.

Whatever it is, mental illness affects everyone differently, even though there may be similarities in symptoms. The stigma of mental illness can be so overwhelming that men self-medicate with illicit drugs and alcohol just to manage. This short-term solution, of course, hurts in the long run, often leading to more substance abuse to numb the body and mind, leading to more problems.

Mental illness can unfortunately lead to extreme measures just to end the mental torture. Suicide in men is three times that of women in the UK. The highest suicide rate is in men between the age of 45 to 49 and is unfortunately increasing. Reasons can range from sustained mental illness over years and years or suffering a nervous breakdown from a sudden traumatic event.

We have to remember though, that something trivial to one person can be life changing to another suffering from mental illness. It can affect men from all walks of life. From the poor to the wealthy, from the 'average' man to famous actors and royalty.

Even the 'toughest' of men, from professional fighters to soldiers are not immune. I just want to let men know that whatever you are suffering from, whether it be anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, stress or any other mental illness, there is hope, there is help. Don't suffer alone. It may be even harder in these coronavirus times but it's ok to talk to someone.

Maybe a family member, partner or friend. If you don't feel comfortable with that, talk to your GP or just google 'mental health illness help'. Things can and will get better. Thank you for your time.

ADOPTION IN THE BAME COMMUNITY

In the midst of a pandemic, adoption is firmly in the hearts of our communities

Results from a recent survey show that black people have positive and altruistic views around adoption as a new campaign urges potential black adopters to come forward

It is widely known in black communities that informal adoption is part and parcel of the fabric of our communities; we raise and nurture children that are not our biological children as if they were. Now new data from the cross sector National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group reflects this truth, showing that black communities have positive and altruistic views around adoption, with 80% stating that they have either adopted, considered or would consider adopting a child in the future. The data coincides with the launch of the first National Adoption Recruitment campaign, an initiative urging people who are considering adoption to take the next step.

The drive comes as the survey reveals that whilst motivations regarding adoption are overwhelmingly positive amongst the black community, there are a number of barriers and misconceptions that deter people from taking the next step. This includes concerns around people feeling that their housing is not adequate (35%); finances not being in a good enough position (30%) and worries about their age (20%).

At a time when national statistics reveal that black and mixedheritage children are disproportionately represented in the care system, a factor that one in six respondents was aware of, the National Adoption Recruitment campaign is raising awareness that the key attribute for adopting a child is providing a loving, safe and stable home and that factors such as occupation, salary, the size of someone’s home, home ownership or age are not important. the type of person who can adopt. Contrary to beliefs outlined in the survey, those for whom English is not their first language, single people and those who are not married can adopt.

Bishop Joe Aldred, broadcaster and

writer, said: “People think that if you’re in a low income job or on benefits, you cannot adopt, this is not the case. The National Adoption Recruitment campaign reminds people that not only is the adoption process quicker and simpler than it once was but that the chances are, if you’d like to adopt, it’s very likely you can. Over the years we have seen the fulfilling challenge of adoption at work in several people, including close family, who have benefited from being adopted and some who have adopted. Every child deserves a loving home and I urge anyone who is considering adoption to come forward and take that next step to put a stop to our children waiting longer for an adoptive family.”

Sinitta, singer and mum of two, said: “I would definitely encourage others to consider adoption. I always knew I wanted children and I tried everything from IVF to surrogacy to have them. All of those journeys led to heartbreak, except adoption. The feeling of finally becoming a mother was almost indescribable; it's just everything. It was everything I wanted and more. I love my children more than anything and I always say that love is thicker than blood.”

Reflecting on her experience, adopter

Fran says: “The best thing about adopting is knowing that you’ve made a constructive change to someone’s life and that they have done the same for you. My daughter has made my parents grandparents, my brother an uncle and my friends Godparents. I’m honoured to be her mum, she is such a blessing. To anyone in the black community considering adopting I would say absolutely go for it. There are children out there who need support and love and you can add so much value and make a difference to their lives. Your situation - if you are single, married or older for example – won’t matter, if you can provide a loving and nurturing home, I’d say go for it.”

World Mental Health Awareness

October 10 is set aside every year to commemorate World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is “Mental Health for All”. We will be sharing with our readers the mental health myth busting declaration which aims to challenge stakeholders and individuals to support people living with mental illness. The goal is to help raise mental health awareness and each of us can contribute to ensure that people dealing with mental health problems can live better lives with dignity. According to a WHO research, nearly 80% of people living with mental illness say that Covid-19 and the national response have made their mental health worse.

Our goal is to make sure everyone affected by mental illness has a good quality of life. Below is the Mental Health Myth busting declaration:

1) Myth: Mental health problems are rare.

Reality: 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem, which means there’s a good chance someone you know may be struggling with mental illness or has experienced an episode of mental illness.

2) Myth: People with mental health difficulties can’t or don’t want to work.

Reality: Research shows 70 to 90% of people with mental health issues want to work, but only 37% are in paid employment. For people with severe mental illness this is far lower, it’s just 8%.

3) Myth: Persons with Mental Illness Cannot Learn New Skills

Reality: Mental health conditions have a variety of symptoms that vary in intensity. Most of my clients have learned to cope with managing their condition, juggling appointments and overcoming prejudice, so learning new skills is something they take in their stride.

4) Myth: Mental health sufferers are violent and dangerous

Reality: Official statistics consistently show that most violent crimes are committed by people who do not have a mental health condition. In general, mental health sufferers are more at risk of being attacked or harming themselves.

5) Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.

Reality: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation on par with or greater than, other employees.

6) Myth: People with mental health problems are unable to become highly successful

Reality: Some highly successful people can absolutely thrive while struggling with their mental health. A factor in this is that the employer capitalizes on the individual’s strengths. It’s a matter of job matching the strengths and skills of the individual, with the role. A few years ago, ‘a very successful Chief Executive who was very open about his own experiences of Bipolar disorder’ as a Trust had a very successful Chief Executive, who also suffered from Bipolar disorder.

7)

Myth: You can’t recover from a mental

illness.

Reality: What is so often misunderstood about mental health problems is that they don’t define a person or their potential in life. Recovery is possible with the right support and people can, and do, go on to lead rewarding, fulfilling lives.

8) Myth: We can’t talk about mental illness at work:

Realty: Work is more than a means for material support. It’s also a major way individual stay mentally healthy and socially integrated. The workplace is therefore an important place for speaking about mental health. Breaking the silence can be beneficial for removing barriers to seeking treatment, staying well and staying employed.

More than busting myths with our understanding, we need to bust myths with our actions.

Summary of Government’s Obesity Tackling Strategy

Around two-thirds (63%) of adults are above a healthy weight, and half of them are living with obesity. We have 1 in 3 children leaving primary school who are already overweight or living with obesity with 1 in 5 living with obesity. Obesity prevalence is highest amongst the most deprived groups in society. Children in the most deprived parts of the country are more than twice as likely to be obese as their peers living in the richest areas. This is sowing the seeds of adult diseases and health inequalities in early childhood.

Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy. It is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, at least 12 kinds of cancer, liver and respiratory disease, and it can highly impact on mental health. There is consistent evidence that people who are overweight or living with obesity who contract coronavirus (COVID-19) are more likely to be admitted to intensive care unit and, sadly to die from COVID-19 compared to those of a healthy body weight status.

Lots of people who are overweight or living with obesity want to lose weight but find it hard. Many people have tried to lose weight but struggle in the face of endless prompts to eat – on TV and on the high street. When we eat out, we have little information about how many calories are in the food we are offered. Helping people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is one of the most important things we can do to improve our nation’s health.

COVID-19 and obesity

It is common knowledge that living with obesity reduces life expectancy and increases the chance of serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. With these underlined health issues as a result of obesity, many people in such category have been exposed to the risks of dying from COVID-19. According to Public Health England’s (PHE’s) recent assessment, new evidence in the UK and internationally, indicates that being overweight or living with obesity is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation, severe symptoms, advanced levels of treatment such as mechanical ventilation or admission to Intensive Care Units and death. These risks increase progressively as an individual’s body mass index (BMI) increases.

The report also indicates that those living in deprived areas are at greater risk of dying from COVID-19. Part of this risk may relate to obesity. Obesity is more common in people living in deprived communities who are also more susceptible to obesity-related diseases. Excess weight is one of the few modifiable factors for COVID-19 and so supporting people to achieve a healthier weight will be crucial to keeping people fit and well as we move forward. Obesity puts pressure on our health services, and it is estimated that overweight and obesity related conditions across the UK are costing the NHS £6.1 billion each year. Going into this winter, you can play your part to protect the NHS and save lives.

These undermentioned points will go a long way in alleviating obesity problems:

introducing a new campaign – a call to action for everyone who is overweight to take steps to move towards a healthier weight, with evidence-based tools and apps with advice on how to lose weight and keep it off working to expand weight management services available through the NHS, so more people get the support they need to lose weight publishing a 4-nation public consultation to gather views and evidence on our current ‘traffic light’ label to help people make healthy food choices introducing legislation to require large out-ofhome food businesses, including restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees, to add calorie labels to the food they sell consulting on our intention to make companies provide calorie labelling on alcohol legislating to end the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) by restricting volume promotions such as buy one get one free, and the placement of these foods in prominent locations intended to encourage purchasing, both online and in physical stores in England banning the advertising of HFSS products being shown on TV and online before 9pm and holding a short consultation as soon as possible on how we introduce a total HFSS advertising restriction online.

The campaign aims to reach millions of people who need to lose weight, encouraging them to make behaviour changes to eat better and move more to prevent or delay the onset of serious diseases. This will be supported by a 12-week weight loss plan app that people living with obesity can use to develop healthier eating habits, get more active and lose weight.