Positive male minds

Dr Shaun Davis, our global director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability, has written a book about men and mental health. The book, ‘Positive Male Mind – Overcoming mental health problems’ will be released on Thursday 20 September 2018.

‘Men are often described as a “hard to help” group in relation to engagement and health issues,’ said Shaun. ‘They are less proactive with their health than women, they will see their GP less readily, they have less social support and they are less likely to use counselling or talking cure services such as those available via employee assistance programmes. Unfortunately, men are also at greater risk of suicide than women.

‘Organisations that promote positive mental health and educate their employees about mental health, such as Royal Mail, can help to break down and remove the stigma that is so often associated with mental health issues. In these organisations, colleagues should feel able to talk openly about their mental health without fear of being judged or discriminated against.

‘The resulting positive workplace culture is one where colleagues feel empowered to disclose existing mental health conditions, making it easier for the individual and those around them to identify signs of mental distress should they experience mental ill health again in the future.

‘Thinking about these issues I wanted to do something to try and play my part in normalising mental health and addressing the stigma. Working in Royal Mail was a great opportunity to do this and to use the proceeds of my book to further support mental health – all proceeds will be split equally between Action for Children and our in-house charity, the Rowland Hill Fund.

‘The stigma around mental health can discourage people from raising the issue and seeking support. Colleagues who are experiencing mental health issues may feel unable to tell their line manager and instead, try to hide their problems. At Royal Mail we are committed to addressing these issues and supporting improvements in mental health and wellbeing.’

Click here if you would like to order Shaun’s book. All colleagues can obtain a 35% discount by using the voucher code POSITIVE35. Please remember, all royalties go to charity.

If you need information, help and support click here to download our Because Healthy Minds Matter information booklet.