Men are being encouraged to make use of workplace health benefits and get early invention support if available.
The call from health and wellbeing service company RedArc comes during men’s health week, which runs from 12-17 June.
The provider highlighted that early invention support is often offered within a number of health and protection insurances and benefits, and that men can achieve better health outcomes by utilising it.
Christine Husbands commercial director at RedArc, said: “Added-value services will support an individual whether they reach out for help or are referred at any stage of an illness, but we can’t stress enough how early intervention really is key. By identifying and providing effective early support, an individual’s longer-term health and wellbeing outcomes are significantly improved.”
According to RedArc, while men seem more willing to address mental health concerns than previously, they usually wait until their symptoms are severe before seeking help – in the same way they tend to approach physical health problems. It is therefore urging men to take more positive action since early intervention can reduce the chances of conditions worsening.
Husbands added: “It’s important for men to understand that added-value support within benefits and insurances can offer early intervention, but communication also needs to include messages that will help more men feel comfortable in coming forward. This includes highlighting the confidentiality, longevity and personalisation of the service available.”
RedArc also found that men are often reluctant to seek help feeling the need to “cope” because of a “bread-winner” mentality. Additionally, many more men than women initially ask their partners to speak on their behalf when seeking health support.