The International Men’s Day is held on the 19th November every year to raise awareness about men’s mental health and overall wellbeing. The International Men’s Day therefore celebrates male experiences and brings them into the discourse on mental health. It provides an opportunity for discussing ‘women matters’ such as flexible working and parental leave. At times, we men may feel like life is too much for us to deal with or appear like it is a lot of pressure. Some of us are grappling with the incapability of finding individuals who can share in our weaknesses and concerns.
In this context, it is encouraging that 66% of men responding to a Law Society survey said they felt very well supported by their immediate superior, 76% reported support from peers; whereas the happiness index stood at 65%.
However, our Annual Statistics Report (ASR) also found out that in 2022, more than four fifths of males worked flexibly as compared to less than three fifth before pandemic. Meantime ASR revealings indicated anxiety affecting 28% and work stress causing inability of unwinding during non-working hours experienced by half of interviewed men.
All professionals should be fully supported through their work as each firm and employer should be aware and understanding regarding the emotional well-being of its employees including partners. Patients often have unrealistic expectations that they are expected to cure their own mental illnesses. In fact, everyone has a role in creating a positive workplace environment.
To help address this important issue for our profession, the Law Society has developed a Mental Health Hub providing remote working guidelines.
They involve rising inflation, impending recession and an energy emergency which assume potential psychiatric illness developing symptoms.
So I urge everybody doing this job today but always to assist us all achieve fulfilling careers while we make sure our colleagues operate within supportive environments.