Why book a men’s mental health speaker for Movember or International Men’s Day?

The issue of men’s mental health is becoming more prominent due to societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which contribute to the reluctance of men to discuss or seek help for mental health issues. While it is well-known that gender stereotypes about women — such as the expectation that they should look or behave in certain ways — can be harmful, it’s equally important to recognise that stereotypes and expectations can also have negative effects on men.

Men are frequently expected to be the primary breadwinners and to display strength, dominance, and self-control. Although these traits are not inherently negative, they can create barriers for men when it comes to seeking help and opening up about their struggles.

Additionally, men might resort to potentially harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance use, and may be less inclined to talk about their mental health with family or friends. However, research indicates that men are more likely to seek help when it aligns with their preferences and is easily accessible, meaningful, and engaging.

International Men’s Day and Movember are important because they offer platforms for men to connect and discuss their health and well-being. They highlight and celebrate men’s achievements while addressing issues like toxic masculinity and mental health challenges. These initiatives foster open communication, reduce stigma, and promote positive changes in how men engage with their health and support each other.

Top 6 Reasons To Hire a Men’s Mental Health Speaker

1. Breaking the Stigma: Men often find it difficult to talk openly about their mental health. Especially with the toxic stigma that views men as ‘weak’ for discussing their feelings. The presence of a male mental health speaker can help break down the stigma surrounding men’s emotional struggles. By sharing personal stories and experiences, these speakers can inspire others to open up and seek help when needed. Andrew Pain’s keynote talk ‘Domestic Violence Isn’t Gendered’ is a great example of how important it is to break the stigma around men’s mental health.

ANDREW PAIN | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

2. Relatability: A male mental health speaker can connect with the audience on a personal level, as they have experienced the same struggles. This relatability can make the message more impactful and encourage individuals to take their mental well-being seriously. Speaker Ben Smith is a great example of this. Being bullied caused Ben’s confidence to dwindle. This had a massive effect on his mental health, and the choices he made when it came to lifestyle and diet were pretty poor. By the time he was 29, Ben weighed 17 stone and suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack, otherwise known as an incomplete stroke – this gave him the push he needed to change the way he lived his life.

Ben’s talk, ‘Happiness,’ addressed how he changed his life through an improved mindset. You can watch it here.

BEN SMITH | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

3. Raising Awareness: Hiring a male mental health speaker for a work event can significantly raise awareness about the importance of men’s health within the workplace. Their speeches can reach a broad audience and initiate important conversations that may not have occurred – and there’s no better speaker than Clive Branson to showcase this point… Clive Branson is an inspirational speaker who shares his journey of grief, loss and illness and how he came back from a very dark place and is now able to support others deal with their mental health challenges, teaching them to surrender to their vulnerabilities rather than hide from them.

CLIVE BRANSON | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

4. Providing Resources: Male mental health speakers can offer valuable insights into available resources and support networks. They can guide individuals towards the help they need, whether it’s counselling, support groups, or other mental health services. Mark Lemon lost his father at just 12 years old; as an adult, Mark has dedicated his life to helping adults and children come to terms with their grief and the effect it has on mental health. Mark has also written books inspired by his own experience to help children who have experienced the loss of a loved one, and he even hosts a podcast on dealing with grief and childhood trauma.

MARK LEMON | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

5. Encouraging Self-Care: Male mental health speakers often emphasize the importance of self-care and stress management. Alex Staniforth is a speaker who embodies this message. Having suffered from anxiety and an eating disorder, Alex uses the great outdoors to inspire others and empower people to prioritize themselves.

ALEX STANIFORTH | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

6. Sharing Personal Stories: Our male mental health speakers are willing to share their personal journeys, including their experiences with mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and physical illnesses. In 2021, Roman Kemp‘s hard-hitting documentary about Men’s Mental Health is a great example of how sharing personal stories can help others who are struggling with their own mental health; these stories can serve as powerful testimonials of resilience and recovery, providing hope to others.

ROMAN KEMP | MALE MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER

Discover more of our leading Men’s Mental Health Speakers HERE

Hire a Male Mental Health Speaker for Mental Health Events 2024!

Consider the positive impact a male mental health speaker can have on your organisation or community. By hiring one, you’re not only supporting men’s mental well-being but also helping to eradicate the stigma surrounding this crucial issue. These speakers can be powerful advocates for change, inspiring men to take charge of their mental health and seek the support they need. At Great British Speakers, we understand that discussing the topic of Men’s Mental Health, especially in the workplace, can be tricky. But along with our professional speakers, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us to find out more or to book any of our Male Mental Health Speakers for Movember or International Men’s Day events. We are here to help you find the perfect speaker for the occasion. Email bookings@greatbritishtalent.com or call +44 1753 439 289 to speak to a Great British Talent team member.

Discover more of our leading Men’s Mental Health Speakers HERE.

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