Men's Health and the Internet

One man in five dies before the age of 65.* 

Just take a moment to read that again. 

One man in five dies before the age of 65. 

This week is Men's Health Week, created to raise awareness about both physical and mental wellbeing in men. 

Each year, Men's Health Week, organised by the Men's Health Forum, focuses on different aspects of men’s well-being, such as diabetes, stress management, and the impact of COVID-19. This year's focus is on Men's Health and the Internet, specifically mobile phones. So, what does this mean?  

Of course, the internet has brought numerous benefits, but we must also recognise its potential negative influence on mental health. Kate Winslet's poignant BAFTA speech shed light on the impact of social media on teen mental health and adults can be affected too.

No one is immune from the tendency to compare the perfect life portrayed online by others, to our worst days. And men are under increasing pressure to conform to an, often filtered, idea of physical perfection which is contributing to a rise in eating disorders and excessive exercise among men. 

But, what can we do about it? After all, the iPhone was born 16 years ago, and since then, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. As the Men's Health Forum says; 

“The smartphone is a dopamine-delivery device that is to hand 24/7. It gives us a hit every time we pick it up in anticipation and again when we find something we like.” 

What is dopamine? Put simply, Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that makes you feel good. What’s wrong with something making you feel good? In theory, nothing.

However, while dopamine itself is not inherently negative, its constant stimulation through addictive behaviours such as doom scrolling, pornography, or gambling can fuel anxiety, depression, and have an impact on relationships and work. 

So, how can we make changes to the impact mobile phones have on all of us, men in particular? 

1. By raising awareness about the harm caused by excessive smartphone use, we can help people recognise addictive behaviours and the consequences this has for themselves and others.  

2. By practising– and encouraging others to practise - mindful digital consumption, to limit exposure to triggering content. This includes setting screen-time limits and managing our social media feeds.  

3. Striving for a healthy balance between digital engagement and real-life experiences is crucial. Hobbies, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions can counterbalance excessive internet use.  

4. Finally, men should be encouraged to seek support, whether through professional counselling, support groups, or trusted friends and family. Breaking the silence and initiating conversations about mental health is vital for well-being.  

Harmful notions about men’s emotions, such as "man up" and "boys don't cry," have suppressed open discussions about men's mental health. These stereotypes have contributed to the fact that men aged 45-49 have the highest suicide rate in the UK**. 

At Fortis, we and many others, are working hard to change the mindset around men’s mental health, including starting initiatives such The Westerly Club, a safe space to discuss men's mental health, and encouraging men to seek support and share their burdens. 

We hope that Men’s Health Week, and Men's Mental Health Week, will start conversations and create supportive communities, encouraging men to break down these harmful societal stereotypes, and instead become comfortable with speaking up, and seeking help.  

*Men’s Health Forum 

**Samaritans