Promoting Men’s Mental Health

“A welcome and important contribution to a thankfully growing debate. Mental illness remains in some ways the last great taboo in our society, a taboo which leads directly to stigma and discrimination which for some can be even worse than the symptoms of their illness. This book in part is about encouraging men who have reached crisis point to seek help. Equally it’s about prevention, and sets out some of the excellent work being done on that. I hope it can inspire practitioners and policy makers to initiate similar interventions, develop new ones and lift the promotion of men’s mental health much higher up the agenda, both in the UK and abroad.” – From the Foreword by Alastair Campbell

Men – in all their diverse groups, settings, lifestyles and stages of life – can face considerable challenges to their mental wellbeing from specific cultural and societal factors, causing difficulties for themselves and those who live and work with them. In addition, these men may respond better to certain approaches and treatment. Promoting Men’s Mental Health outlines the breadth of the challenges and provides guidance for those working in primary care on targeting and helping men who need support. Good mental health is more than the absence of mental illness, and this book therefore highlights methods to promote positive mental health by increasing psychological wellbeing, competency and coping skills, and by creating supportive living and working environments The book highlights examples of best practice throughout the UK, Europe and America, and will be essential reading for primary care and mental health professionals, and all those with an interest in men’s mental health.

“We need to be more innovative in the way we try to reach men. This book will help stimulate further discussion and hopefully encourage men to seek help or support.” From the Foreword by Louis Appleby