FREELANCER HEALTH CAMPAIGN
The UK government has launched a call for evidence on why men are dying years before women. You might be thinking, “What’s this got to do with me?” If you’re burning the midnight oil as a male freelancer or running your own business. Well, quite a lot. If you are concerned about the health of a man in your life, then read on.
For years, many men have managed their health as a bit of an afterthought. They’re famously rubbish at not going to the doctor, often preferring to tough it out. This has led to some grim stats: higher rates of certain cancers, heart disease, and mental health problems compared with women. The UK government’s latest health initiative aims to get to the bottom of why men are dying so young and what can be done.
Call for evidence on why men are dying years before women
That is why the government is calling for men of all ages to come forward and feed into England’s first ever men’s health strategy. The 12-week call for evidence will gather vital insights from the public, health and social care professionals, academics and employers so the government can properly consider how to prevent and tackle the biggest issues facing men from all backgrounds.
It will ask for their views on what is working and what more needs to be done to close the life expectancy gap between men and women, as men in England die nearly four years earlier than women on average.
“Every day, men across England are dying early from preventable causes,” says Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.
Men are hit harder by a range of conditions, while tragically suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. Our Plan for Change means we will tackle these issues head on through a men’s health strategy, and today’s call for evidence is the crucial next step in understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how we can design services men will actually use. I urge people to come forward to share their views.
-Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary
The freelancer’s lot: A unique pressure cooker
Now, consider the life of a freelancer or small business owner. Long hours? Check. Financial worries? Often. Isolation? It can be a big one.
Juggling everything from chasing invoices to actually doing the work leaves precious little time for, well, anything else. Health often falls by the wayside. As freelancers, if we don’t produce,e we don’t get paid.
The Mental Health Foundation found that self-employed men experience poorer mental health compared to employees. This cocktail of stress can exacerbate existing health issues and create new ones. They’re talking about things including:
Mental health: The pressure of irregular income, client demands, and the constant need to find the next gig can lead to anxiety and depression.
Cardiovascular health: The “always-on” culture can mean poor sleep, bad diets, and not enough exercise, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Musculoskeletal issues: Hours hunched over a laptop in less-than-ideal home office setups can lead to back problems and repetitive strain injuries.
The Mental Health Foundation also suggest other signs might give us a better picture of the state of men’s mental health:
- Three times as many men as women die by suicide
- Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK
- At times during the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic), females experienced lower life satisfaction and happiness than males, which differs from pre-coronavirus pandemic analysis, as seen in our Personal well-being in the UK: October 2016 to September 2017 bulletin.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men
- Plus, men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently. Find out more about how mental health problems affect men and women differently.
So, what can be done and how can freelancers help?
The government’s call for evidence is a chance to make some noise. Here’s how male freelancers and business owners can ensure their specific concerns are part of the conversation:
- Respond to the call: It might seem like a faff, but filling out the consultation is crucial. Explain the particular pressures of self-employment and how they affect health.
- Lobby representative bodies: The Freelance Informer alongside organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) can amplify individual voices. Make sure they’re aware of the issues.
- Use your networks: Online forums, social media groups, and industry events are all opportunities to discuss these issues and raise awareness.
Quick fixes: Small steps, big impact
While systemic change takes time, there are things men can do now to improve their well-being. And no, it doesn’t all involve marathon running or cycling 15 miles a day or downing celery smoothies. Here are a few evidence-backed habits that can make a difference:
The 10-minute rule: Can’t face a full workout? Just ten minutes of brisk walking can improve mood and reduce blood pressure. Brief walks after meals can bring down your blood sugar significantly and help stop fat formation
Mindful minute tricks: Spending a few minutes each day on mindfulness or meditation can lower stress levels. Apps like Headspace or Calm can help. But if you’re not into that just yet, sit on a chair outside for 10 minutes, close your eyes, take a deep breath and exhale slowly out of your mouth. Now, say to yourself, “What is my next thought?” and somehow this trick actually helps you not think of anything. Try it when you get stressed, for example, after a phone call or reading a crappy email. You can also use it while trying to get to sleep.
Social connection: Loneliness is a killer. Make a conscious effort to connect with friends, family, or colleagues, even if it’s just a quick phone call. It can be a great distraction from work.
Sleep smart: Prioritise sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours a night. A regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, can make a big difference. If your pets are waking you, it’s time they were trained to sleep outside of your bedroom.
Ditch the all-nighters (when possible): Easier said than done but try to avoid consistently working late into the night. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Boil down what is distracting your productivity in the day and seek out tools to take off the load.
A word to the wise
Amy O’Connor, Global Lead, Policy and Advocacy at Movember, says, “Too many men are dying too young, the men’s health strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in positive change for men and their loved ones. Share your solutions – whether it’s more community support groups, improved education, or enhancing clinical training, to create a lasting impact on the future of men’s health.”
Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO, reminds us of what is the biggest killer of men under 50:
With men making up 75 percent of all suicides, this strategy is a real opportunity to prevent thousands of deaths. Recognising what works for different groups of men, focusing on key risk factors and providing evidence-based support will be crucial and we’d encourage everyone to submit evidence to this important consultation. We look forward to working with Government on meaningful ways to cut suicide rates and save lives.
This initiative isn’t about every bloke becoming gym-obsessed or becoming a hypochondriac. It’s about recognising that your well-being is crucial, not just for yourself, but for your business and family. By making your voice heard and taking small steps, you can start to shift the dial.
You can start by making an appointment with your GP or a specialist to get any health concerns sorted.
Here is how you can partake and respond, click the link: Men’s Health Strategy – Department of Health and Social Care
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