Conversations around mental health are happening more and more in workplaces, among friends and in the doctor’s office. But some of us may be finding it harder to open up than others. The engineering profession is heavily male-dominated which means that it may face slightly different challenges when it comes to mental health. But support is available, and it’s closer than you may think.
Asking for help is a challenge
Traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to talk about their mental health problems. Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. There’s nothing wrong with these qualities but they can make it harder for men to reach out for help.
Research shows that men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about what’s really bothering them. All of this can add up to increased ill mental health but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Why Keep Talking?
One in three people are coping with mental illness at any given time. This could include your family members, your ‘strong’ friend or a colleague so you’re never alone, even if it feels like that sometimes.
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