Setting a new standard in the construction industry, the ‘Light on a Dark Day’ event emphasises the importance of mental health awareness for construction workers and aims to boost access to support.

The construction industry’s high-stress environment, coupled with the physical demands of the job, places considerable strain on workers. Historically, mental health can be overlooked, but there is also the stigma associated with discussing personal emotions among workers. To foster a healthier workforce, construction companies must prioritise raising awareness and cultivating a supportive working environment.

Mental health in construction

GEM Construction, a leading Irish construction company, has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health of its employees. Initiatives include highlighting mental health awareness together with providing dignity training and mental health first aiders while integrating mental health into the health and safety structure and collaborating with support organisations, such as Pieta House.

Martin Healy, Managing Director, highlights what the company is doing to change the status quo. “We are trying to remove the stigma associated with mental health in construction, changing the culture to one that is positive and supportive of people’s mental health needs.”

Extending support to people struggling

One of GEM Construction’s key initiatives is their ‘Light on a Dark Day’ annual event. This event raises awareness about mental health issues and provides support to employees. Healy says: “We held an awareness day on all our construction projects on the darkest day of the year during the Covid-19 pandemic. This involved hosting an outdoor breakfast with an opportunity to discuss and highlight the importance of mental health awareness.

“Pieta House counsellors attended on the day and became part of a focus awareness discussion on mental health. The added bonus of the day was a substantial charitable contribution to Pieta House to help support other awareness programmes.”

Encouraging honest and open conversations

The company worked on a book entitled ‘For my Friend in a Difficult Time’, in collaboration with Fergus Grimes, which was distributed throughout the event. Written in response to a personal experience of suicide, the book seeks to encourage an open and honest conversation about mental health. It highlights that people are not alone.

“Our initiatives have been well received by everybody in the industry. Everybody is acknowledging the need for change to improve outcomes for people struggling with mental health,” adds Healy. The book is a simple way of delivering a complex message and has been extremely well-received by all who read it.

Annual event dedicated to industry mental health

GEM Construction’s approach to mental health is setting a standard in the industry. By prioritising mental health initiatives, the company not only improves health outcomes but also enhances productivity and safety.

“We are re-energising our ‘Light on Dark Day’ annual event this year, and we welcome other companies throughout the construction industry and beyond to follow suit,” says Healy. “It is difficult to see logic and reason when you are in the depths of mental illness. We want people to know they have access to support.”

The post Building a healthier construction workforce by making moves for mental health appeared first on Health News.

Dr Sibilah Breen

Director, Clinical Quality, Movember, Australia

A leading prostate cancer charity has unveiled new funding for two new projects, including a clinical registry, to improve detection, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

The Clinical Quality Registry, to be launched this year, will gather critical prostate cancer data to enable clinicians to improve the care and treatment they deliver. Funded by Movember, the registry is part of the Irish Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research (IPCOR) programme. It builds on the earlier IPCOR1 study, which ran until 2020 and assessed the impact prostate cancer had on men’s quality of life.

Benchmarking prostate cancer treatment

The IPCOR2 clinical registry will collect high-quality, real-time data on men with prostate cancer, allowing year-on-year and hospital-to-hospital comparisons and benchmarking Irish patient outcomes against international standards.

Consultant urologist David Galvin, based at the Mater and St Vincent’s Hospitals in Dublin, specialising in prostate cancer, says: “It will provide information and feedback along with patient-reported outcomes, so we can measure how our patients are doing almost instantaneously and compare all our results across Ireland.” Galvin, also IPCOR Principal Investigator, says doctors can additionally monitor patient progress through questionnaires while the registry can inform healthcare providers when making funding decisions by showing which treatments work best for patients.

The Irish registry will link to registries in Australia and New Zealand, meaning treatment outcomes can be compared between men in those countries and Ireland and feed into Movember’s global cancer registry. “That means that we can benchmark Irish results with our international collaborators,” adds Galvin.

It will provide information and feedback along with patient-reported outcomes, so we can measure how our patients are doing almost instantaneously.

Mr David Galvin, Consultant Urologist, Mater and St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin

Boosting prostate screening

Galvin heads the EU-based PRAISE-U prostate cancer screening project and aims to encourage early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer and ensure patients receive the relevant treatment options.

“We think there will be an overall reduction in prostate cancer, though that may be limited by the fact that the population is getting older, so there is a general feeling that there is a tsunami of prostate cancer coming down the tracks,” he continues. “We want to meet that tsunami with smart PSA testing, so we don’t over-detect and over-treat the disease going forward.”

Through the charity’s support, patients will be monitored more closely. Their outcomes will be checked with the clinical data to ensure that treatments are delivered for the right patients and in relevant settings.

Irish registry to improve care

Movember’s director of clinical quality, Sibilah Breen, who oversees the charity’s clinical quality registries, explains that while the Irish registry will also have research applications, a more significant benefit will lie in the data acquired to feed back to clinicians and improve care. She says: “There is evidence that by collecting and feeding back data to clinicians, you can positively impact their practice and thereby improve the outcomes for men.”

There is also the hope that the registry will trigger longer-term funding from central government, the HSE and National Cancer Programme in Ireland. It can raise the profile and awareness of men’s health issues in the same way that has been achieved with resources for the female population with pelvic and breast cancers. There is an initial three-and-a-half years of funding for IPCOR2, which will formally launch in November to tie in with the annual Movember fund-raising drive.

Registry shows positive change

Breen says the registry in Australia and New Zealand is entering its 11th year and has already produced positive change. “In 2015,” says Breen, “we had 25% of low-risk cancers treated with surgery, rather than the clinically recommended less aggressive forms of management, and men having serious side effects. Now, we are down to 13%, so we can see these changes over time.”

Alongside patient outcome data, the Irish registry will also cover other factors important to men, with contributions from the lived experience patient group. In addition, blood and urine samples will be collected from men to create a biobank to enable scientists to try and find new targets for therapy, leading to further collaborations.

The post Funding for two new projects will improve detection and treatment for prostate cancer appeared first on Health News.

Sinead McGilloway

Professor of Family and Community Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Community Research,
Maynooth University

Some fathers may silently be struggling with post-natal depression. Learn about the challenges, support gaps and the importance of early recognition.

Becoming a parent is a major life event for both women and men and one that brings a range of positive and negative experiences.

Mental health during the perinatal period

The perinatal period, which encompasses the time from pregnancy up to one year after the birth of a child, can be stressful for a significant proportion of parents. In some cases, it may lead to (or exacerbate existing) mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.

Although perinatal mental health problems are seen as almost universally female with approximately 1 in 5 new mothers affected, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 fathers will also experience mental health difficulties during the perinatal period.

How do fathers experience post-natal depression or anxiety?

During the transition to becoming a father, dads can experience mental health problems in different ways from their partners. For example, they may experience bouts of irritability and anger, coupled with an inability to express emotions. They may also engage in escapist behaviours such as substance abuse, online activity or extended time spent away from the home.

When asked about their experience of becoming a father, men often report feeling excluded from the birthing journey and ignored by healthcare professionals, as well as significant concerns around job and financial stability.  Feelings of powerlessness and overwhelm may also emerge.

Men often report feeling excluded from
the birthing journey and ignored
by healthcare professionals.

A silent burden for fathers

There are, as yet, no established criteria for diagnosing perinatal mental health problems in fathers, while mental health screening is carried out exclusively for mothers. Furthermore, many fathers acknowledge that their primary role during the perinatal period is to support their partner and, therefore, they often do not recognise, acknowledge or seek out help or support for themselves. 

Thus, they may disregard any low or angry feelings or anxieties they may be experiencing.   Not only will this take a toll on them as individuals, but it often means that their relationship with both their partner and child(ren) can suffer.

For those who do seek support, it can be difficult to find, due mainly to important gaps in service provision. Fathers are crucial sources of support to both their partner and child(ren) during the perinatal period, but research suggests that many are silently carrying the burden of their own mental distress.

A gap in mental health support for fathers

There is still very little research available on fathers’ experiences of perinatal mental health problems and the kinds of support they need, thereby limiting our ability to identify and help fathers who are struggling. Arguably however, it is important, first and foremost, that a ‘two-parent’ inclusive approach is adopted by health and social care professionals to help identify mental health difficulties in both mums and dads as early as possible.

There is also a need for greater knowledge and awareness/recognition within society to tackle the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health problems in men. Researchers at Maynooth University’s Centre for Mental Health and Community Research have started a new project called ‘PEARL’ (Perinatal mEntal heAlth seRvices in IreLand). PEARL includes exploring perinatal mental ill health among fathers, including its impact at both an individual and family level and the kind of support men need — many of whom are suffering in silence.

How/where can fathers get help? 

Sources of information and support are also provided below. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in taking part in the PEARL project, contact Mary Maguire at mary.maguire.2024@mumail.ie or Professor Sinéad McGilloway at Sinead.McGilloway@mu.ie.

The post Postnatal depression in fathers — a myth or reality? appeared first on Health News.

As young men struggle with health, wellbeing and relationships, we must seek new opportunities to understand, support and connect with them.

In our studies, young men report feeling disconnected from their gender, rarely thinking about it or discussing it. Consequently, their perceptions are easily influenced by the loudest voices in the room or on their phones.

Redefining masculinity to support men

As the ‘crisis of masculinity’ narrative grows louder, fear of discussing men’s lives in an optimistic and expansive way only mirrors and reinforces their silence. Masculinities are often weighed down by the fear of femininity or homosexuality. This fear is what drives, in my eyes, the lack of a fully realised, well-defined view of themselves.

The conversation is ridden with how notto be, but young men cannot build a strong identity on that. We’re at an inflexion point, where the convergence of the #MeToo movement and rise of ‘toxic masculinity’ (the media-driven term of choice), have placed young men’s lives in the spotlight.

To engage young men in a movement for
change, we must meet them where they are.

Navigating complexity of men’s lived experiences

Their schools, peer groups, sporting clubs and online interactions receive an unrivalled level of scrutiny; a backlash response has arisen as young men seek out what they see as dominant voices, often online, offering them back certainty and power that feels better to them than waves of shame or guilt being sold elsewhere.

Men reliably tell us that they are lonely; they struggle to navigate dating; they feel tied to their phone as if their life depends on it; and they don’t learn the difference between porn and true intimacy. It is an increasingly complex world for them to navigate; it’s time we took a new approach to engaging with them. 

Engage, empathise and co-design

To engage young men in a movement for change, we must meet them where they are and build solutions with them by asking, ‘How can we help?’ This also means learning fromthem and co-designing solutions to the complex problems that are their lived reality. We also cannot demand answers without questioning the systemic pressures underpinning their decisions.

This is the secret to Movember’s success. The humble moustache may have started conversations with millions of men, but we are a unique charity. Our mandate is to empathise with and understand young men’s lives to help them live healthier, longer lives.

To support men in achieving lasting health and wellbeing — whether as partners, family, friends or healthcare professionals — it’s time we ask and stop assuming what men need.

The post Understanding and connecting with young men’s struggles to redefine masculinity appeared first on Health News.

The construction industry is demanding. Long hours, physical labour and stressful environments can take a toll on workers’ health. Yet, many men hesitate to prioritise their health or seek help.

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is uniquely positioned as the only charity dedicated to providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.

Support for the construction community

The charity offers a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat service and text facility, which provide information, guidance and support on a variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by their free Self Support App and Lighthouse Beacons, providing a safe space for people to share concerns.

Construction statistics and health risks

• Construction workers are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to the national average.
• One in five construction workers experience depression, anxiety or stress.
• Suicide rates are a leading cause of death for men under 45, with construction workers having a particularly high risk.
• Men are 40% less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly.
  

Create a safe space for men to discuss
health concerns without judgment.

Building a culture of wellbeing

Here’s how you can support your teams during Men’s Health Week and create a culture of wellbeing throughout the year:

• Promote awareness. Organise talks or workshops about common men’s health issues like prostate cancer, mental health and staying active.
• Encourage preventative screenings. Offer on-site checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and other conditions.
• Break down the stigma. Create a safe space for men to discuss health concerns without judgment.
• Promote healthy habits. Provide healthy snacks and encourage breaks for exercise.
• Offer resources and support. Share information about local health services and mental health resources.

Expert advice and comprehensive services

We have developed and evolved to meet the needs of a changing construction industry, providing expert advice and counselling to those struggling with their emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.

Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues that impact the construction sector. It will hopefully encourage workers to take charge of all aspects of their health. It also enables us to showcase the huge variety of proactive and reactive services that we can offer our construction community.

The post Why men’s health in construction matters — and where to find support appeared first on Health News.

Various treatments are available for urinary incontinence. If you have symptoms, don’t put off seeing your GP because treatment could make a big difference to your quality of life.

According to NHS England, approximately 14 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence — a condition linked with a reduced quality of life and mental health issues.

Avoid putting off incontinence treatment

There are certain misconceptions about incontinence. For instance, there’s a mistaken belief that it’s an inevitable part of ageing. Plus, some think it’s untreatable. So, they just learn to live with it; but that’s not right, insists Chris Harding, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Urology at Newcastle University.

“Anyone experiencing regular urinary leakage needs to know it’s not normal, no matter how old they are,” he says. “They must also understand that good, effective treatments are available — and largely very successful, so people should never suffer in silence.”

The problem is that men, in particular, may be so embarrassed by symptoms that they put off seeing their GP. “I understand that, because incontinence is thought of as a ‘taboo’ subject,” says Professor Harding. “We have to break that taboo because some people will leave it five, 10 or 20 years before seeking help. In many cases, a simple treatment can be offered that will drastically improve their quality of life.”

DON’T put up with incontinence.
See your GP.”

Simple interventions can make a significant difference

There are different reasons why symptoms appear. “If the bladder is overactive, the bladder muscle contracts when you don’t want it to, resulting in the expulsion of urine,” explains Professor Harding. “Incontinence can also occur if there is weakness in the sphincter muscle and pelvic floor.”

Simple interventions can make a difference. For instance, patients experiencing incontinence at night (particularly those with an overactive bladder) are advised to reduce caffeine and evening fluid intake. In other cases, pelvic floor exercises may prove beneficial.

Shared decision-making and seeking help

Medications are available, too, and — in severe instances — surgical procedures are an option. “I’m an advocate for shared decision-making,” says Professor Harding. “Health practitioners should explain the range of treatments available and work with the patient to decide which one will be the best fit.”

Certainly, we need more open conversations about incontinence. “That’s why we support initiatives such as World Continence Week,” says Professor Harding. “We want patients to know that medical practitioners have clear treatment guidelines for incontinence and that there is exciting research in this field. This will further improve treatment options and lead to better patient care, but we can only help people if we know they have a problem in the first place. So, DON’T put up with incontinence. See your GP.”

The post How incontinence treatment options can improve lives of patients at any age appeared first on Health News.

Many management options are available for patients with bowel dysfunction, but many suffer in silence before consulting a GP. This delay often leads to unhealthy coping habits.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the pelvic floor service at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin, I help people manage bowel dysfunction symptoms like constipation and faecal incontinence.

Bowel dysfunction causes and symptoms

Though 1 in 10 people reportedly suffer from faecal incontinence, symptoms are often under-reported, suggesting the actual figure is likely higher. Faecal incontinence can occur for various reasons, including neurological conditions and anal sphincter muscle defects caused by childbirth.

Bowel dysfunction is not discriminatory and affects both males and females of all ages. The symptoms can cause social isolation, anxiety, hopelessness and reduced self-esteem and can severely impact one’s quality of life.

Often, the hardest step is making the first
step, which is talking with their GP.

Why bowel dysfunction is debilitating

Faecal incontinence can take hold of a person’s life. A patient can be dependent on being near a toilet at all times out of fear of having an episode of incontinence. Some patients have reported restricting their activities to places where they know the toilet locations.

Patients have felt compelled to leave their jobs as a consequence of their symptoms. Experiencing faecal incontinence is extremely embarrassing, and patients don’t talk about their symptoms with family, friends or their GP.

Awareness and personalised care options

Awareness of the symptoms is paramount. Patients need to know that they are not the only ones suffering from such symptoms and that there is help out there. Often, the hardest step is making the first step, which is talking with their GP.

Along with lifestyle changes and dietary changes, other interventions can help. These are pelvic floor physiotherapy, trans-anal irrigation, anal inserts as well as sacral nerve modulation, to name but a few.

Bowel function is very individualised and, consequently, treatment for bowel dysfunction is also very individualised. At our pelvic floor service, we take a holistic care assessment and tailor a treatment plan. Once symptoms are managed, a patient can gain back control of their life.

The post Don’t keep bowel dysfunction symptoms to yourself — speak to your GP appeared first on Health News.

My incontinence journey started 38 years ago. I got diarrhoea occasionally, which worsened over time. After several referrals, I received life-changing sacral nerve stimulation treatment.

Seven years ago, I started to suffer from faecal incontinence. Some days, I couldn’t even hold on for the 10-minute drive to work.

Daily life with faecal incontinence

Normal daily activities like shopping and walking caused me to have problems, and I would poo myself so badly that it would seep out of the side of my underwear. I would carry a bag with wet wipes and spare clothing, just in case. 

I’m a runner, and I love running, but this became increasingly difficult as accidents happened more often without any warning. I found it devastating.

The whole thing has been an amazing
success and has been life-changing.

Diagnosis journey with multiple referrals

The final straw came on holiday. Walking back to the hotel after a meal, it happened, and it was everywhere. I had no control. Back at the hotel, I felt broken. After that, I bought several pairs of special pants with charcoal lining and incontinence pull-ups to reduce the risk of leaking through my clothing.

My doctor referred me to bowel consultants, a gastroenterologist and a nutritionist. I had X-rays, colonoscopies, endoscopies and other tests. I felt abandoned when the doctors told me I didn’t have cancer and that I required no further action. I still had the same problems but nowhere to go.

Sacral nerve stimulation implant

By chance, at my local park run, I met someone who had experienced similar problems. They underwent a new treatment called sacral stimulation implantation by Mr Michael Powar at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. After almost three years, I was referred to him.

I was so happy when he said he could help me, but I was also anxious about the procedure. Following a successful two-week trial, I was fitted with a permanent device. The whole thing has been an amazing success and has been life-changing.

I feel frustrated that it took so long to get the help I needed, but I hope others can be given help and treated sooner by raising awareness.

The post Finding freedom from faecal incontinence through innovative implant appeared first on Health News.

Single, widowed, retired, lonely, socially isolated, carer or cared for? There is a warm welcome for you at a Shed — one that’s respectful and without judgment.

Connection alone is reason enough for a Shed in every Irish community for men — who die younger, have higher death rates for almost all leading causes of death and present later to services and supports. Men’s Sheds offer a safe space for men to enjoy and find solace.

Shed a light on men’s mental health

Ireland currently has the highest rate of loneliness in Europe and the third highest incidence of adult mental illness across 36 countries in Europe. When it comes to talking about mental wellbeing, men face societal gender pressures to ‘put on a brave face’ and not talk or seek professional help.

With over 450 Sheds in our local communities and 6–7,000 men a week going in and out the doors, Ireland has the highest number of Sheds per capita compared to any other country.

Connection and initiatives for men’s wellbeing

Over 80% of men say they ‘feel better’ for being part of a Shed and the environment itself is undeniably ‘health-promoting.’ From North to South, East to West, each Shed is as individual as the men who choose to come together to start a Shed based on shared interests like boatbuilding, beekeeping or biodiversity. Connection (and perhaps a kettle) is the fuel of all of our Sheds.

Sheds offer men social, psychological, emotional
and physical health and wellbeing support.

Offering holistic men’s health support

Sheds offer men social, psychological, emotional and physical health and wellbeing support. Their success in Ireland has been extraordinary and builds on the country’s leadership in having one of the first National Men’s Health policies. 

Plus, there’s more to Sheds than tea and chat. Walk into your community Shed, and you are likely to discover a bustling hub of creativity and transformation for local men navigating key life changes. They offer spaces for life-long learning and skills-sharing. They are rich in experience and encourage ongoing contribution ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with each other and in their communities.  

Transformative, life-saving spaces

Sheds are places where you don’t lose any previous identity; you gain a new one. They are safe, supportive and confidential spaces for men to share their feelings and discuss things they couldn’t imagine discussing outside any other four walls. These spaces have saved lives. For many, the Shed is the ‘why’ that gets them out of bed in the morning and gives their life meaning.

The post Supporting men’s mental health through Sheds — a safe space for all men appeared first on Health News.

Effective suicide prevention is a complex process unique to everyone. It involves open, non-judgmental communication and urging those with suicidal thoughts to seek professional support.

Suicide remains a pressing issue in Ireland, particularly among men of all ages. Timely intervention can help reduce suicide risk, highlighting the importance of both recognising where signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm might be present and knowing how to support someone in need.

Warning signs of suicidal thoughts

“Some people are open about the risk they might be in, while in others, it’s completely unnoticeable,” says Luke McGibbon, therapist at Pieta’s crisis helpline. “Everyone is different, but there are more common indicators to look out for.”

These signs include expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness, researching ways to die by suicide, engaging in reckless behaviour, withdrawing from social interactions, experiencing changes in sleep patterns and increased substance abuse.

“One of the most common indicators is the perception of being a burden on loved ones or society,” McGibbon explains. “Statements such as ‘I’m only holding you back’ or ‘I’m only wearing you down’ are telltale signs of a sense of ‘burdensomeness’,” he adds.

Asking directly also shows that you’re comfortable
discussing it, and you’re saying: ‘let’s talk about it’.

How to reach out and help

Around 72% of suicides recorded by the Central Statistics Office in Ireland were male. Due to societal expectations, men may be less likely to talk about their wellbeing and ask for help.

If someone is experiencing suicide ideation or self-harm, approach the situation with empathy and understanding, McGibbon says. Ask the individual directly if they’re thinking about suicide. “When it’s verbalised, it’s easier to work through it,” he says. “Asking directly also shows that you’re comfortable discussing it, and you’re saying: ‘let’s talk about it’.”

Listening attentively and without judgment while reiterating what’s being said shows understanding, explains McGibbon. It’s essential not to shame or guilt someone showing signs of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Similarly, dismissing talk of suicide or viewing it as attention-seeking is unproductive. 

Encouraging additional support

Anyone contemplating suicide, experiencing self-harm or coping with suicide-related bereavement should connect with a professional without delay. Pieta’s crisis helpline offers free 24-hour assistance, 365 days a year from professional specialists. They also offer specialised suicide and self-harm intervention therapy for professional, ongoing support.

This service is free and available in person at 24 centres across Ireland or remotely via video or phone sessions. There are also support and therapy services available to those bereaved by suicide. “People thinking about suicide may need support from a few different directions,” McGibbon says. “It’s helpful to guide people to professional support networks like their GP and Pieta.”

The post Recognising the signs of suicidal ideation and how to help appeared first on Health News.