The government needs to introduce new policies to reach men at risk of poor physical and mental health, a report has claimed.
The study by the Work Foundation said men find the term “mental health” alienating and it should therefore be reframed.
The creation of “stress manuals” could also help to overcome the mental health stigma among men, it suggested.
The report, cited by the i, recommends after-work access to GPs and health services as men “typically do not want their boss/colleagues to know they are seeking medical help – particularly for mental health problems”.
James Chandler, the lead author, said men are more likely than women to do physically dangerous work, more likely to be self-employed and more likely to work away from home for extended periods.
“The jobs that tend to pose the biggest risk to physical health and safety are often amongst the lowest paid, with less job security,” he said. “It is a fact that men are also at far greater risk of suicide than women – particularly those aged 55-64 – and those working in male-dominated sectors like construction.”
Martin Tod, chief executive of Men’s Health Forum, added that many men fear they will face stigma if they show weakness.