Why men’s mental health matters 365 days a year

In the realm of telecommunications, it’s important to address an issue that affects not only the industry but society as a whole: men’s mental health. Tragically, it is disheartening to learn that the highest suicide rates in the UK occur among men aged 40 to 49, a demographic that encompasses a significant portion of the telecoms workforce — including field recruits, HQ operatives, office workers, and remote employees.

Acknowledging the complexities of this topic, we understand that men often face difficulties in expressing their emotions and discussing their mental wellbeing. Such a reality calls for a concerted effort to prioritise and cultivate open conversations surrounding men’s mental health. Earlier this June, during Men’s Health Week, we had the opportunity to spotlight this issue and encourage actionable steps towards positive change.

Here’s what some of the BeFibre and Digital Infrastructure team had to say…

Joe Laisby, digital marketing manager at BeFibre, said:

How do you focus on health in your day to day life, physically or mentally?

Exercise! Introducing regular weight and cardio sessions into my routine has been an absolute game-changer for me. I find it really hard to switch off from work and life stresses, so getting in the gym or going for a hike really restores both my physical and mental health. I also listen to/watch loads of podcasts, which helps to keep me in the loop in my career field, while also motivating me to try new hobbies or learn a new skill.

What is one tip that you would give to someone else looking for a way to focus on theirs but may be struggling?

Focusing on ourselves as men and eradicating the negative stereotypes are so important in this day and age. So, setting realistic goals, keeping a regimented routine, and always looking to improve yourself have to be up there. However, It may sound cliché, but my overriding top tip is to speak up and talk. If you’re struggling, lean on your friends or family. If you can’t do that, reach out to one of the many mental health charities, who have wonderful systems in place to help vulnerable men who may be struggling.

Paul Main, national sales manager, added:

How do you focus on health in your day to day life, physically or mentally?

Sales can be a very fast-paced, pressured, target-driven environment and it is very easy to get carried away, so it is important to listen to your body and calm your mind. As a leader, I personally enjoy listening to classical music, which can help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, which are linked to stress and anxiety. It creates a very calming mood and helps me focus on the task in hand.

What is one tip that you would give to someone else looking for a way to focus on theirs but may be struggling?

Take some time out in your day to focus on yourself, whether that is blocking an hour’s lunch to go for a walk in the sunshine, walk the dog, etc. — but consciously block it out in your diary so you stick to it. It’s also important to reflect by focusing on what went well this week and what you need to focus on next week.

In lockdown, I was introduced to meditation and Deepak Chopra, which I found to be an exceptional way to listen to what my body and mind was telling me, and it continues to have a great calming effect on my mind.

Gareth Thornton, director of performance and governance, concluded:

How do you focus on health in your day to day life, physically or mentally?

Making time to exercise and look after my health and physical wellbeing is a challenge at times, so I tend to use my Apple Watch linked to the Vitality programme for motivation. The more points you get, the more rewards you get, so that spurs me on to go to the gym or a walk to get the numbers up.

By sharing our collective experiences, we aspire to contribute to a long-lasting transformation, ensuring that men’s mental wellbeing remains at the forefront of the industry’s attention throughout the entire year, and not just over the course of a seven-day initiative.

If you want to delve deeper into the importance of men’s mental health, and catch thoughts from more of the BeFibre and Digital Infrastructure team, watch this short video.

For support, please don’t hesitate to check out this free NHS resource.