Men’s Health Awareness Week takes place each year in June, leading up to Father’s Day. It’s a time to encourage men to take better care of their own physical health, but just as importantly, it’s a chance to acknowledge men’s mental health, an area that is still too often overlooked.
Whether you’re a man yourself, supporting a partner, father, brother, or colleague, Men’s Health Awareness Week is an important reminder that looking after your wellbeing is not a luxury, it is essential.
The Reality of Men’s Health in the UK
The conversations around mental health have improved massively over recent years, however, many men still feel pressure to “just get on with it”, this is likely as a result of societal expectations. The pressure around strength, independence, and emotional control can make it really difficult for men to speak openly about how they’re really feeling.
The impact of this silence needs to be taken more seriously, in England and Wales, men account for the majority of suicide deaths, and many report only seeking help at crisis point. This highlights why early support, open conversations, and normalising mental health care for men is so important. What many men are still yet to recognise is that mental health challenges don’t just affect one type of person. Men of all ages and backgrounds can experience stress, anxiety, burnout, or feelings of loneliness. Working in health and social care can be especially demanding, and the pressure of supporting others day after day can take its toll. That’s why we’ve created this page, to encourage you to speak out and prioritise your wellbeing.
Small, everyday actions can make a big difference
Improving mental wellbeing doesn’t always require big lifestyle changes. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that help build resilience over time. One helpful way to approach this is through simple daily habits that support both mental and physical health.
Here is a practical framework you can dip into throughout the week.
Connect
Spending time with other people, whether through conversation, shared activities, or even a quick check-in can significantly boost mood. You don’t have to talk about mental health specifically, but meaningful connection helps reduce isolation. Therefore, if you’re struggling, speaking out is a powerful first step.
Be active
Regular movement is a proven mood booster. This could be anything from an outdoor walk, a gym session, swimming, or even dancing around the house can help to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. It’s not about intensity, its all about consistency.
Discover something new
Learning or trying something new, like cooking a different meal, or picking up a book, gives your brain a sense of achievement. That feeling of progress, however small, can help boost motivation and confidence.
Offer support to others
Helping someone else, whether through a kind gesture or practical support, often improves our own sense of purpose. Acts of kindness can be incredibly rewarding and grounding.
Take notice
Slowing down and paying attention to what’s around you can help reduce overwhelm. Limiting screen time and being more present in the moment can support better focus and emotional balance.
A “Man MOT” for the mind
Just as physical health benefits from regular check-ups, mental wellbeing does too. Taking a moment to check in with yourself can help you recognise early signs of stress before they begin to build up. There are also simple, everyday tools you can use to support your mental health, such as breathing exercises to calm the nervous system, mindfulness practices that help you stay present in daily routines, and creating a regular sleep pattern to improve rest and recovery. Diet plays an important role too, balanced nutrition supports energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Supporting men’s wellbeing in health and social care
At Prospero Health & Social Care, we recognise that men working in care and mental health roles can face unique emotional pressures. Supporting others every day requires energy, empathy, and resilience, which is why prioritising your own wellbeing matters. If you’re passionate about men’s health, mental wellbeing, and making a positive difference, working in health and social care can be a meaningful and rewarding career path.
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