STRUGGLE:

Thousands of working men are struggling in silence...
and traditional mental health approaches aren't helping them.

They might have tried Employee Assistance Programs or workplace wellness sessions, which probably had little to no impact.

It could even be that these initiatives made them feel more isolated or misunderstood.

We need to think differently to help them...
'Improve Male Mental Health using Movement as Medicine'

Similar methods and strategies have transform and save lives in communities where men account for 76% of suicides yet only 36% of therapy referrals.

Here's an approach that I have mapped out :

*Identify the real barriers men face*
Financial stress (many with debts hitting over £17k)
Work cultures that views mental health as weakness
Time constraints from shift work and family responsibilities

*Meet them where they are comfortable*
Sport-based interventions (way more effective with men)
Colaborative programs in familiar surroundings
Focus on physical symptoms rather than therapy style language

*Build sustainable support networks using practical frameworks*
Weekend football (other sports are available) meetups with catching up on mental health sessions
Workplace movement sessions that encourage team building (Using the MAPS Framework)
'Buddying Up' that respects male styles of communication (a bit of swearing is fine)

The powerful thing is that this approach can change sterotypical thinking and result in rewarding and possibly life saving outcomes.

Men who work hard, to provide for themselves and their families, shouldn't have to choose between seeking help and maintaining their identity.

Waiting lists of months for help or regular therapy won't help someone facing immediate financial pressure or who is being told that “mental health issue are a weakness”.

But a movement-first approach?

Well this can work immediately, cost nothing, and can build the connections and community these men desperately need.

But this only works when we stop expecting working men to adapt to the traditional mental health models. Instead, we need to adapt to their values, schedules, and communication styles.

The results of introducing this kind of approach are reduced isolation, practical coping strategies, and peer support networks that last.

Does this resonate with you?

Do you need help directly with this? Reach out – My DMs are open.

And if you would like to discuss a Workplace Movement-First Workshop or a Community Talk - DM me.

"Movement as Medicine" - Activate your body's built-in healing system.