HOW ARE THE MEN IN...
www.icenimagazine.co.uk
Issue 90 2020
How Are The Men In Your Life? ‘It’s not the men in your life that counts. It’s the life in your men.’ When actress Mae West made that comment it was meant to be a saucy innuendo, designed to raise a laugh. Today I’m turning that somewhat risqué remark on its head and asking ‘how are the men in your life?’ Men’s mental health has become an area of increasing concern, with 3/4 deaths among men under 50 in the UK being registered as suicides (4903 in 2018) and male suicides in England and Wales at its highest for twenty years. 1/8 men are diagnosed with a common mental health problem, yet only 36% of referrals for psychological support are for men. Many men still regard it important to be the breadwinner, protector, provider and often measure success in terms of income,
possessions and status. Even hobbies and interests can have a competitive edge to them, where being the fastest, fittest, strongest brings with it the admiration and respect of others in their group. Their early male role models may well have been strong, silent types, taught to ‘be a man’, not be ‘a girl’ and ‘man up’ in times of stress or difficulty. Far preferable to keep quiet rather than share any troubles or issues with family, partner or friends. Even today the archetypical male is regularly portrayed as fit and athletic, lean and goodlooking, motivated, successful, focused, coherent, driven. Yet we also want our men to be in touch with their feelings, able to communicate their emotional challenges and have a gentle side, things not every man feels able to do. PAGE
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