Blue Light Card Foundation, Charnwood Edge, Syston Road, Cossington, Leicester LE7 4UZ
The Blue Light Card Foundation is a registered charity within England and Wales. Charity No. 1 1 9 8 4 9 2
Supporting men’s mental health at work
Blue Light workplaces have unique stressors and expectations that can contribute to the mental health of employees. Societal expectations that men should be strong, self-reliant, and always in control can create a difficult environment for men to express their vulnerabilities or seek help when needed. This pressure to appear invincible can lead to feelings of isolation, burnout, and even serious mental health problems. Therefore, it is paramount for employers and colleagues to prioritise men’s mental health in the workplace to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Now, let’s delve into three essential tips on how to support men’s mental health at work:
Promote open dialogue and destigmatise mental health
An inclusive workplace culture starts with open conversations about mental health. Employers can organise workshops or lunch-and-learn sessions to raise awareness and educate employees about the importance of mental health. Encourage employees to share their experiences and provide resources for obtaining professional help when needed. By eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health, men will feel more comfortable reaching out for support.
Encourage work-life balance
Striking a healthy balance between work and personal life is vital for maintaining mental well-being. Employers should prioritise creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance by implementing policies such as flexible working hours or remote work options. Encourage employees to take regular breaks and utilise their annual leave. By demonstrating that work-life balance is valued, men will feel empowered to prioritise self-care, leading to increased job satisfaction and improved mental health.
Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
Building a workplace culture that emphasises empathy, respect, and support for one another is crucial for men’s mental health. Encourage colleagues to actively listen and validate each other’s experiences without judgment. Promote teamwork and collaboration while also celebrating individual achievements. Consider implementing employee assistance programs or mental health initiatives that offer counselling services or stress management resources. By creating a nurturing environment, men will feel encouraged to seek support when needed and ultimately thrive in their professional lives.
Men’s mental health in the workplace is a topic that demands more attention and action. By prioritising open dialogue, work-life balance, and inclusive workplace cultures, employers and colleagues can better support men’s mental health needs. Promoting mental well-being in the workplace is not only beneficial for men, but for the entire workforce.
Manly Mindfulness
When somebody talks about being “more mindful” or partaking in “mindful practices” what comes to mind? Mindfulness is commonly associated with the stereotypes attached to meditation – the idea of somebody sat cross-legged in a field humming. It’s often seen as “soft” or “feminine”, but in actuality, mindfulness couldn’t be more manly. Here, we explore why mindfulness is manly and how you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine as a Blue Light worker or volunteer.
Why is mindfulness seen as feminine?
According to the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, mindfulness may seem less attractive to men because of the way it promoted, as it highlights softer emotions, peace, compassion, love and vulnerability. All of which are characteristics socially considered to be “less masculine.”
However, as a frontline worker or volunteer, staying sharp, resilient, composed and being able to manage your stress levels is crucial, and mindfulness can be a powerful tool in maintaining peak performance and mental health. Here’s why:
It takes you off auto-pilot
As a dedicated professional you’re probably, maybe unknowingly, operating in auto pilot. Whereby, you’ve stopped thinking about what you’re doing or taking it all in and you just do it. This can be beneficial in many situations, but when we have a lot on our minds it can also have a negative effect as we are no longer present in the moment. Constantly thinking about a past shift or a future task means that we forget to properly take in the here and now, taking time to decompress, or enjoying enriching experiences.
By practicing mindfulness, you can be brought back to the moment and become more self-aware.
Mental training
We train our bodies in the gym, so why not train our minds too? Like physical training, mindfulness helps to strengthen the mind to stay calm and focused under pressure, enabling you to manage chaos with improved clarity.
Stress resilience
Mindfulness enhances our situational awareness and decision-making ability by enabling us to manage stress more effectively, which helps to prevent burnout and maintain resilience in high pressure situations. In turn, this helps to improve our physical performance by boosting reaction times, focus and judgement.
Emotional intelligence
Your role as a Blue Light member probably means that being person-centred is at the heart of your values, by which you really care about others. Not only does this include the people you protect or care for, but also your friends, family and colleagues.
By practicing mindfulness, you can improve your emotional intelligence and awareness of others to improve connections through effective and compassionate communication.
A few other benefits which you may experience include sleeping better, a reduction in chronic pain, getting sick less often, and being able to control your emotions better such as impatience, anger and fear.
Ultimately, mindfulness is a key component of your mental strength and resilience toolkit. But how can you incorporate it into your everyday life?
The NHS’s top tips for everyday mindfulness are:
These things may seem small and tedious, to point that they can seem pointless. But overtime they will amount to a larger impact to improve your overall health, wellbeing and performance.
Men’s MOT
As busy and dedicated Blue Light workers and volunteers, it’s easy to forget to find time to check in on ourselves to make sure everything is as it should be. Sometimes, we might also avoid thinking about the intricacies of our mental and physical health. However, by regularly checking in with ourselves, we can ensure we’re catching any red flags early and reducing the risk of anything becoming more serious, just as we do with a car. Here, we offer a simple, step-by-step, guide to conducting a “Men’s MOT”.
Start from the top
How’s your brain doing? ‘Mental health’ is a term commonly used when discussing things such as worry, anxiety, low mood, depression, PTSD or stress. However, it encompasses way more than that, including positive things. Checking in on your mental health is no different to checking any other aspect of your health.
Start by asking yourself “how have I been feeling lately?”. This could be tired, optimistic, irritable, energised, socialable, frustrated, relaxed, cheerful, lonely or out of place.
Then think about why that may be. If you’re feeling tired and irritable, consider your quality of sleep recently or whether you’ve been taking time to do things you enjoy. If you’re feeling optimistic or cheerful, has work been more enjoyable recently, have you been spending more time with friends or getting outdoors more?
By considering these things, you can notice your own red flags and how different factors can contribute to your mental health.
My behaviour
Now you’ve considered how you’ve been feeling, think about whether there has been a link between your mood and your recent behaviour or lifestyle. For example, have you been drinking alcohol or gambling more recently?
Often, when we’re not feeling quite right, we find ourselves slipping into behaviours which could potentially become unhealthy. Sometimes, the best way to notice changes in our behaviour is to quantify it, such as, how many units have I drunk recently, how much have I spent gambling, how many hours of sleep am I getting or how often have I seen loved ones in the past few weeks?
A body overview
Before getting into specifics, think about your body as a whole and whether you’ve noticed any changes. Has your weight or strength changed, are you getting out of breath quickly, experiencing any new aches and pains, lumps or bumps or experiencing a change in bowel habits?
Also keep an eye out for any surface level changes to your skin, such as a mole changing size, shape or colour, or patches become itchy or sore.
As part of your body overview, it’s also a good idea to double check that all of your appointments are up to date. When was your last eye test, could you do with a dental check-up, or did you miss your last physio appointment?
Now let’s get into some specifics…
The Fire Fighter’s Charity has provided us with a spotlight into men’s health below. But you can also read their full blog and find out more information here.
Knowing your prostate
Around 47,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and approximately 11,000 will die of the disease. However, as men age many will develop problems in relation to their prostate that aren’t indicative of cancer.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is located just below the bladder. It is roughly the size of a walnut and is responsible for helping to produce the fluid found in semen. The prostate gland surrounds the tube known as the urethra, which passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, so any prostate disease or growth (benign or malignant) is likely to cause problems with urination.
Symptoms to be aware of include:
Men’s Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is something which is typically associated with women; however, it can affect men too with around 390 men being diagnosed each year in the UK.
Age naturally increases the risk of developing breast cancer, with most cases being reported in males being men between the ages of 60-70, although other lifestyle choices can also play a role.
The most common symptom is a lump under the breast area, which is usually painless. But other symptoms include:
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer affects over 2,200 men every year and is more prevalent in men aged 15-45, although it can affect men at any age.
If found early, there is nearly a 100% chance of a cure, with 98% still being alive 10 years after a diagnosis. That’s why it’s so important not to delay seeing your GP if you have any of the following symptoms:
Check both your testicles in turn, looking out for any change in size or texture. Feel carefully for lumps, hardening, swelling or discomfort, heaviness, dull ache or dragging sensation in the lower part of the abdomen, scrotum or groin, pain, and breast tenderness or back pain.
Noticing body changes can be worrying, but it’s important not to jump to conclusions. If you notice something being a little different, it’s always best to speak to your GP first.
Loneliness and Blue Light Men
When we think about loneliness, we often think of those who are on their own, without close friends or family. However, often loneliness is a feeling of being disconnected or misunderstood – even when surrounded by people. Despite long shift patterns with colleagues and taking on a public facing role, many emergency workers will face loneliness which can impact their mental and physical health. Recognising and addressing loneliness can be difficult to navigate, particularly alongside a high-pressure role, but maintaining connections in our professional and personal lives is essential for our overall wellbeing.
Why loneliness affects men in the Blue Light community
In 2022, almost half of adults in the UK (49.63%), reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always. Even though loneliness could impact us all at some point during our lives, research suggests that men tend to experience loneliness differently to women. This is often due to a reluctancy to express emotional vulnerability as societal pressures require them to appear “tough” and “resilient”. For men in the emergency services, these pressures are often amplified by the high-stress nature of the work, the need to always be “on”, and a culture which portrays us to be the heroes. The long hours, shift work, and exposure to traumatic events, can further isolate men from friends, family and even colleagues.
The impact of loneliness on health and performance
Over time, the emotional impact of loneliness can compound and lead to significant mental and physical health implications such as anxiety, depression, low mood, trouble sleeping, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and immune system issues. For emergency service workers, loneliness can also affect job performance, leading to decreased focus, heightened stress, and impaired decision making.
Feeling isolated can also make it more difficult to manage work-related stress, communicate with your team, or ask for help. Therefore, addressing loneliness is not only a matter of personal wellbeing but it’s also essential for team effectiveness.
Building meaningful social connections to combat loneliness
To combat loneliness among male Blue Light workers, fostering genuine connections are key. Here are a few strategies that can help:
Loneliness can often be overlooked in fields where the primary focus is on taking action and problem solving. But fostering connection is a necessary part of a well-rounded approach to health and effectiveness.
Why toxic masculinity is worth knowing about
For better or for worse, the term ‘toxic masculinity’ is one which is thrown around quite a lot. It may provoke a few eye rolls, but ultimately, toxic masculinity plays a significant role when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the Blue Light workplace. As a result, it’s important to know what it is, what the signs are, and how to overcome it.
First and foremost, the term ‘toxic masculinity’ does not exist to demonise masculinity as a whole.
“Masculinity” simply refers to the roles, behaviours and attributes expected of males, given by society. For example, often boys and men are expected to be strong, active, the breadwinner, aggressive, tough, daring, heterosexual, promiscuous, emotionally inexpressive and dominant.
“Toxic masculinity”, however, points specifically to the traits which can become unhealthy and harmful to both the men displaying them and those around them. Essentially, it’s society’s stereotypes which try to constrain people into little boxes based on what it is to be “man” or “woman”.
So, what? Why does it matter?
Toxic Masculinity and the way that men are culturally trained and socially pressured to behave, tends to encompass three core factors:
While no one sits you down in school and tells you to reject emotion or not accept help, from a young age, boys are often being told “man up”, “suck it up” or “toughen up”, all of which train children not to manage their emotions appropriately.
Additionally, toxic masculinity encourages men to oppose mental and physical health treatment, causing them to ignore pain and continue to push through even when suffering. Men are also more likely to be encouraged to embrace unhealthy or risky behaviours such as gambling, drinking, drug use and fighting.
But how does this relate to me and my Blue Light role?
Many of the Blue Light sectors are male dominated arenas and therefore echo chambers of masculinity. Whereby, all around you there are men displaying similar traits and emphasising the pressure to behave in a certain way.
Adam Christopher, co-founder and director of Active Training Team (ATT), says that “An environment full of bravado, banter and one-upmanship stops people speaking up…Saying ‘just man up’ is an example of belittling behaviour that stops people talking.”
Along with the societal pressure to “act like a man”, your job or volunteer role also requires you to display masculine traits such as being strong, brave and risk taking. In high pressure, emergency situations, masculine traits like heroism are taken to the extreme, seemingly leaving no room for vulnerability.
Business coach, Jo Emmerson, states that “the root of any toxic behaviour is fear.” It is that fear of vulnerability, change or going against the grain that continues to normalise toxically masculine behaviour which can have a detrimental impact on men’s physical and mental health.
What can I do?
Father’s Beacon offers monthly Zoom sessions for frontline and Blue Light dads, providing expert advice on parenting, finances, legal matters, relationships, and wellbeing alongside a supportive community where you don’t have to face it all alone.
Founded by a former infantry soldier and dad of seven, Father’s Beacon was created to give frontline fathers a safe, understanding space to share experiences, seek support, and prioritise their mental health.
To register your interest, email fathersbeacon@icloud.com.
Scott Mair: From Birth Trauma to supporting Fathers’ Mental Health Through Fatherhood Solutions
Scott Mair’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to changing the way society views fatherhood. As the founder of Fatherhood Solutions, Scott’s journey was born from personal experiences with poor mental health and birth trauma that not only shaped his role as a father but ignited his passion for supporting other dads on their own parenting journeys.
Scott’s path to establishing Fatherhood Solutions began in an unexpected and deeply personal way. Like many men, he entered fatherhood with optimism, excitement, and a strong desire to be a supportive partner. But the reality of birth trauma and its aftermath left a lasting impact on him and his family. The mental health challenges Scott faced, not just as a father but as a husband and a man, became the driving force behind his dedication to ensuring that dads do not navigate fatherhood feeling isolated or unsupported.
The Impact of Birth Trauma on Fathers
Scott’s experience with birth trauma came during the birth of one of his sons. His wife endured a traumatic delivery, an experience that not only had a profound effect on her mental health but also took a toll on Scott himself. While much of the focus was rightly placed on his wife’s recovery, Scott found himself struggling with the emotional and mental repercussions of witnessing her trauma. His feelings of helplessness and the overwhelming pressure to “stay strong” as the father, coupled with his role in supporting his wife through her own recovery, led to a period of poor mental health that he couldn’t have anticipated.
For many men, the assumption is that fathers are there to provide strength and stability during difficult times. But what happens when the father himself is struggling? Scott’s experience showed him firsthand how often men’s emotional needs are overlooked, particularly during pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood. Birth trauma doesn’t just affect the mother; it impacts fathers in profound ways too. Scott recognized that there were few resources or conversations that acknowledged the emotional toll that birth trauma can have on dads, and this realization became one of the foundations for Fatherhood Solutions.
The Silent Struggle: Fathers and Mental Health
Statistics around fathers’ mental health paint a troubling picture. Research shows that one in ten fathers will experience postnatal depression, and many more will face some form of poor mental health during the perinatal period. However, the silence around men’s mental health, particularly in relation to fatherhood, often means that these issues go unnoticed and untreated.
For Scott, his personal battle with poor mental health after the traumatic birth of his child was a wake-up call. He experienced symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, but like many men, he kept it hidden. The societal pressure on men to be stoic and emotionally strong made it difficult for Scott to speak out about what he was going through. He felt the weight of societal expectations, the belief that he had to “keep it together” for the sake of his family, while internally, he was struggling to process the trauma and its impact on his mental well-being.
Scott’s story is not unique. In fact, poor mental health among men is alarmingly common, but often goes unaddressed. Fathers, in particular, are expected to transition into parenthood without any hiccups, despite the emotional challenges they may face. This lack of support for fathers, both during and after pregnancy, was a glaring gap that Scott wanted to fill.
The Birth of Fatherhood Solutions
It was this personal experience that led Scott to create Fatherhood Solutions. He knew first-hand the challenges fathers face and how easy it is for men to fall through the cracks when it comes to mental health support. With a background as an infantry soldier, Scott was no stranger to dealing with high-pressure situations. However, nothing could have prepared him for the emotional toll of fatherhood, especially when compounded by birth trauma.
Fatherhood Solutions was born out of Scott’s desire to create a space where fathers could access the support they needed, whether that be practical advice, emotional reassurance, or mental health resources. Scott’s mission was clear: to ensure that fathers are not only included in conversations around parenthood but that they have the tools and support necessary to thrive as parents in their own right.
The organization provides training to professionals who work with fathers, offers 1-2-1 support, group peer support, and workshops designed to help dads feel more confident in their role. At its core, Fatherhood Solutions is about fostering understanding. It’s about helping professionals see the critical role fathers play in their children’s lives and encouraging them to support dads in ways that acknowledge their unique needs and experiences.
Mental Health Among New Fathers
The mental health of new fathers is an area that remains significantly under-researched and under-discussed. However, studies show that up to 10% of new fathers experience symptoms of postnatal depression, a figure that rises to 50% if their partner is also experiencing mental health difficulties. These numbers are likely conservative, as many fathers may not seek help or may not recognize the symptoms in themselves.
For Scott, the lack of awareness around paternal mental health was one of the most frustrating aspects of his experience. While there were numerous resources and support systems available for his wife, he struggled to find anything designed specifically for fathers. The idea that men might also struggle after the birth of a child seemed almost foreign, despite the growing body of evidence suggesting otherwise.
Beyond postnatal depression, many fathers experience anxiety, stress, and even PTSD as a result of birth trauma or the pressures of parenthood. The transition to fatherhood can bring with it a range of emotional and mental health challenges, yet many fathers feel unable to speak up. Scott saw this as a critical issue that needed to be addressed, and Fatherhood Solutions became a way to raise awareness and advocate for better support for dads.
The Importance of Father-Inclusive Support
One of the key elements of Fatherhood Solutions is its focus on father-inclusive practice. Scott believes that supporting fathers is essential for the well-being of the entire family. When fathers are supported, they are better equipped to support their partners and children. This holistic approach to family support is central to Scott’s vision for Fatherhood Solutions.
By creating pathways for fathers to access support, Scott is helping to break down the stigma around men’s mental health. He’s showing that fathers can struggle, that they don’t have to carry the burden alone, and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
Moving Forward
Scott’s work with Fatherhood Solutions continues to grow, and his commitment to supporting fathers remains unwavering. His personal journey from birth trauma and poor mental health to founding an organization dedicated to helping dads is a testament to his resilience and passion for change. Today, Scott’s mission is more relevant than ever. With growing awareness of the importance of paternal mental health, Fatherhood Solutions is at part of a movement that seeks to ensure that fathers are seen, heard, and supported at every stage of their parenting journey.
Tough to Talk: The importance of leadership for men’s mental health
Steve Whittle, founder of Tough to Talk, discusses the role which leaders’ play in reshaping the conversation surrounding men’s mental health.
Leaders Unite: Pioneering the Shift in Male Mental Health Conversations
The importance of leadership in the quest to reshape the conversation around male mental health cannot be overstated. A dual approach, top-down from organisational leaders and bottom-up from community members, is crucial in dismantling the barriers preventing men from openly discussing their struggles.
Outstanding male leadership, characterised by vulnerability, empathy, and action, plays a pivotal role in dealing with men’s crises and mental health and reducing male suicide.
Leaders who openly share their experiences and advocate for mental well-being set a powerful example. This transparency breaks down the stigma and fosters a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. By implementing policies that prioritise mental health and creating safe spaces for open dialogue, organisations can lead by example, showing that the well-being of every individual is valued and supported.
Beyond Labels: Understanding Men’s Crisis Through a Broader Lens
In today’s fast-paced society, there’s a tendency to label men’s issues as mental health problems quickly. However, this narrow view overlooks the complex tapestry that defines male crises. Men often perceive their challenges not solely as psychological but as intertwined with biological, gendered, historical, and situational factors. Recognising this multifaceted perspective is essential in engaging men effectively.
Addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach that respects and understands men’s unique contexts. It means moving beyond the confines of traditional mental health discourse to a more holistic understanding of well-being that includes physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
Engaging Men in the Conversation: Content and Tone Matter
The content of our messaging and the tone in which it is delivered play a significant role in whether men feel engaged and heard. Assertive, compassionate, and action-oriented communication, yet sensitive to the complexities of individual experiences, can bridge the gap between silence and dialogue.
To truly reach men, we must speak in a language that resonates with them, acknowledging the diverse factors influencing their perception of crisis. This involves addressing the psychological aspects and considering societal pressures, cultural norms, and personal experiences that shape their reality.
“Tough To Talk” is committed to leading this charge, advocating for a comprehensive approach that champions outstanding male leadership and broadens the conversation around mental health. By doing so, we aim to create a society where men feel understood, supported, and empowered to share their stories without fear of judgment or labels.
We help lay the groundwork for meaningful change by fostering an environment recognising the depth and diversity of men’s experiences. This is not just about addressing mental health; it’s about affirming the dignity and worth of every man, encouraging them to open up on their terms, in their language, and on their timeline. Together, we can dismantle the cognitive dissonance that silences men, making way for a future where no man feels left behind in the conversation about mental well-being.
Steve Whittle: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health
Steve Whittle, ex-forces and founder of Tough to Talk, shares his journey through depression and complex PTSD — and what inspired him to create a male suicide prevention charity that focuses on positive action. He reflects on life before the charity, why Tough to Talk stands apart, and how it’s helping more men speak up and get the support they need.
Blue Light Card Foundation, Charnwood Edge, Syston Road, Cossington, Leicester LE7 4UZ
The Blue Light Card Foundation is a registered charity within England and Wales. Charity No. 1 1 9 8 4 9 2
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