Rethink: Supporting men's health week

Monday, 12, Jun 2006 12:00

Rethink supports Men’s Health Week in highlighting male mental wellbeing

Rethink severe mental illness today (June 12) joined forces with Men's Health Week to promote male mental wellbeing. Rethink and Men’s Health Week will specifically highlight the effect of caring on men's health during a London conference on Wednesday 14th June where Rethink Director of Quality & Standards Dick Frak will speak about the effect of caring on men.

Dick Frak said:” Caring for someone with mental illness can have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the person who is caring and it is important to consider the impact of caring on men’s health, the issues that affect men specifically as carers, and what can be done to support and understand gender-specific issues more.”

As part of Men’s Health Week, Rethink has also contributed to the Haynes 'Brain Manual' which gives advice to men about all aspects of mental wellbeing, including what mental illness is, how to spot the signs and how to get help.

Mr Frak said, “In Rethink’s experience of working with male carers, men struggle with issues such as not being brought up with caring life skills and society not viewing their traditional role as a carer. We know men are often reluctant to talk about their experiences and are less likely to get help which is why Rethink sees the Haynes Brain Manual is an excellent tool as it’s specifically targeted at the issues men face.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For more information on Men’s Health Forum and the ‘Mind Your Head’ conference taking place on Wednesday 14th June at Wembley Conference Centre go to: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

For a copy of the Haynes 'Brain Manual' which gives advice to men about all aspects of mental wellbeing go to http://www.rethink.org/how_we_can_help/publications/haynes_brain.html

Men and Mental Health Facts

Depression will affect 1 in 5 people at some point in their life, and up to 40% of the general population has reported experiencing degrees of social anxiety disorder

Men with Antisocial Personality Disorder make up 49% of sentenced male prisoners in the UK

78% of depressed or suicidal men have experienced bullying

1 in 3 men would rather smash something up, than talk about their feelings

75% of all people who die by suicide are men

67% of suicidal men say they have nowhere to go for help

For more information please contact:

Lana Savic, Media Manager: tel 020 7330 9129, mobile 07967 398566 or

Alita Howe, Media Officer: tel 020 7330 9149, mobile 07918 660760

About Rethink severe mental illness

Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding.

For further information on the charity and its work, visit: www.rethink.org or call 0845 456 0455.