Richard Oldfield’s Post

Today is International Men's Day, a day to celebrate the positive role models in our lives, recognize the unique challenges men face, and support men in their health, well-being, and aspirations. Celebrating men is part of the broader movement toward equality for everyone, recognizing that all genders face unique challenges. It's a chance to talk about issues like mental health, the pressures of masculinity, the alarming rates of male suicide, and the importance of mental health and emotional support for men. It's crucial to acknowledge that men are often at risk of feeling isolated, and suicide prevention starts with open conversations, being there for each other, and encouraging professional help when needed. It's a reminder that seeking help and being vulnerable are signs of strength, not weakness. To all the fathers, brothers, sons, partners, and friends out there—you are seen, you are valued, and today we celebrate you. Positive relationships—whether with women, friends, or family—play a key role in men's well-being, and we appreciate that support. Let's continue to support each other, create safe spaces to talk about our struggles, support men's mental health, work towards reducing the stigma around seeking help, and challenge the stereotypes that keep men from thriving. For example, listening without judgment, offering practical support, and checking in regularly with friends can make a real difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or just need someone to talk to, please know that I'm here. As someone who understands the importance of support, I know how valuable it can be to have someone to talk to. Don't hesitate to reach out—sometimes just having a mate to listen can make all the difference. Additionally, consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you're struggling; getting professional help is a crucial step toward healing. Happy International Men's Day! #InternationalMensDay #menshealth #wellbeing #supportmen

Today is International Men's Day, a day to celebrate the positive role models in our lives, recognize the unique challenges men face, and support men in their health, well-being, and aspirations. Celebrating men is part of the broader movement toward equality for everyone, recognizing that all genders face unique challenges. It's a chance to talk about issues like mental health, the pressures of masculinity, the alarming rates of male suicide, and the importance of mental health and emotional support for men. It's crucial to acknowledge that men are often at risk of feeling isolated, and suicide prevention starts with open conversations, being there for each other, and encouraging professional help when needed. It's a reminder that seeking help and being vulnerable are signs of strength, not weakness. To all the fathers, brothers, sons, partners, and friends out there—you are seen, you are valued, and today we celebrate you. Positive relationships—whether with women, friends, or family—play a key role in men's well-being, and we appreciate that support. Let's continue to support each other, create safe spaces to talk about our struggles, support men's mental health, work towards reducing the stigma around seeking help, and challenge the stereotypes that keep men from thriving. For example, listening without judgment, offering practical support, and checking in regularly with friends can make a real difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or just need someone to talk to, please know that I'm here. As someone who understands the importance of support, I know how valuable it can be to have someone to talk to. Don't hesitate to reach out—sometimes just having a mate to listen can make all the difference. Additionally, consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you're struggling; getting professional help is a crucial step toward healing. Happy International Men's Day! #InternationalMensDay #menshealth #wellbeing #supportmen

Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging Open Emotional Dialogue Among Men In our society, there’s a long-standing stigma associated with men discussing their emotions and seeking help. This silent code – that men must always appear strong, stoic, and self-sufficient – has profound impacts not only on individual well-being but also on the health of our communities and workplaces. When men feel unable to share their struggles or express vulnerability, it doesn’t just bottle up emotions; it isolates them. In the workplace, this can lead to decreased productivity, heightened stress levels, and a culture that prioritizes facade over genuine human connection. In communities, it perpetuates cycles of silence, where mental health issues and personal challenges go unaddressed, often escalating into more severe problems, including suicide. It’s crucial to understand that life is a series of ups and downs. Acknowledging the downs is not a sign of weakness but of profound strength. Opening up about feelings and emotions, asking for help when needed, is essential for mental health and overall well-being. As men, it’s your responsibility to support each other in breaking down these barriers. Encouraging your friends, colleagues, and family members to speak openly about their experiences and emotions creates a culture of understanding and empathy. It shows that we’re not alone in our struggles, and that seeking help is not only okay but encouraged. To the women raising the next generation: teach your boys that emotions are not gender-specific. Men do cry, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s a sign of being human, of processing and dealing with the complex world around us. Together, we can shift the narrative. By fostering environments where emotional openness is valued and supported, we not only improve individual lives but also enhance the fabric of our communities and the productivity and inclusivity of our workplaces. Let’s commit to being there for each other, to listening without judgment, and to showing that it’s okay not to be okay. Because in unity, there’s strength, and in vulnerability, there’s power. #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellness #MenSupportingMen #BreakTheStigma #HealthyMasculinity

🎉 Happy International Men’s Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, family, and community while highlighting their unique challenges. This year’s theme, “Positive Male Role Models”, encourages us to recognise and celebrate men who inspire through kindness, resilience, and integrity and appreciate their positive impact on those around them. 💪👨👩👧👦 💡 Did you know? Men’s mental health often goes unnoticed. Many men face immense pressure to succeed professionally, provide for their families, and maintain a “strong” front. Tragically, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. 😔 Too often, stigma prevents men from opening up about their struggles. That’s why today is so important—it’s an opportunity to celebrate positive male role models who lead by example, break down barriers, and promote healthier ways to manage mental well-being. ✨ Imagine a world where every man feels supported to share his struggles without judgement. Where your father, brother, husband, or son can prioritise their mental health openly. International Men’s Day allows us to make that vision a reality. 💙 📅 Later this morning, I’ll be giving a talk at Enzygo, exploring the differences between how men and women cope with mental health challenges. It’s a chance to unpack these unique struggles and discuss how we can all better support the men in our lives. 💬 Let’s celebrate men, challenge outdated stereotypes, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Together, we can make a real difference. 🌍 📲 Visit International Men’s Day to learn more. #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #InternationalMensDay2024 #Mindset

🤝Supporting International Men’s Day: A Coach's Perspective on Men’s Mental Health As a coach who supports women in leadership, you might wonder why I’m highlighting International Men’s Day today. Here’s why: mental health doesn’t discriminate. The challenges men face in silence affect us all—our families, our workplaces, and our communities. The Reality: 📉 Three-quarters of all suicides are men. 🧠 Men are less likely to seek help for mental health struggles. 💔 Many men feel pressured to live up to societal ideals of strength, stoicism, and "having it all together." The Challenge: We’ve built stereotypes of men as strong, silent protectors. But those stereotypes are costing lives. What if, instead of expecting men to “man up,” we created spaces where they could open up? Spaces where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness but as courage? The Connection: As someone who champions women in leadership, I see firsthand how societal expectations shape us all. The same systems that burden women with ‘juggle struggles’ often box men into roles where they feel isolated and unsupported. Building healthier workplaces and families requires supporting both men and women in challenging outdated norms. Today, on International Men’s Day as I share a personal photo of the men in my life - let’s challenge ourselves to reframe what strength looks like. Let’s encourage conversations about mental health that include everyone—men, women, and non-binary people alike. Together, we can build a world where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength. 💙 What steps will you take to support men’s mental health today? Let’s talk. 👇 #InternationalMensDay #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #StrongerTogether

Happy International Men's Day! The theme for 2024 is “Positive Male Role Models” Today we celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We shine a spotlight on the positive role models and raise awareness of men's well-being. Let's break the taboo around mental health: 💡 Educate yourself: Learn about mental illness 💡Talk openly: Share your experiences and feelings 💡Be mindful of language: Choose your words carefully (positive affirmation). 💡Challenge stigma: Respond to negative comments with facts and experiences, and speak up against stigma. 💡Normalize treatment: Be honest about mental health treatment, and encourage equality between physical and mental illness. 💡Seek help: Don't be afraid to reach out to others . Thank you Haymarket Media Group for kickstarting the conversation IT'S GOOD TO TALK #InternationalMensDay #mentalhealthawareness #breakthetaboo #postiverolemodels

Honoring Men, Celebrating Strength, and Building a Brighter Future Together Today, on International Men’s Day, we pause to celebrate the contributions of men in our lives, our workplaces, and our communities. But this day isn’t just about celebration—it’s a moment for reflection and a call to action. Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of losing someone close—a dear friend whose life was cut short by the silent battle of mental health struggles. It’s a loss that will always stay with me, a stark reminder of the urgent need to break the silence and foster conversations around men’s mental health. Globally, suicide rates among men are alarmingly high, often double those of women. Here in the UK, men account for nearly three-quarters of suicides. These numbers tell a story of stigma, of societal expectations that too often force men to “man up” instead of reaching out for support. But what if we reimagined what strength looks like? What if being strong wasn’t about bearing the burden alone but having the courage to ask for help, to be vulnerable, to connect? On this International Men’s Day, let us pledge to listen more, judge less, and create spaces where men feel empowered to share their struggles. Let us challenge outdated notions of masculinity and celebrate the full spectrum of what it means to be a man—compassionate, resilient, and openhearted. To anyone reading this who might be struggling: You are not alone. Your voice matters, and so does your story. There’s strength in seeking support and power in community. Together, we can honour the lives we’ve lost by building a future where no one feels like they have to walk this path alone. Let’s celebrate men for who they are, embrace the journeys they’re on, and commit to being allies in the fight for mental well-being. #mentalhealth #menshealth #suicide #internationalmensday

As we approach International Men's Day on November 19th, it's a moment to reflect deeply on the true essence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and ensure men and boys are not left out of the conversation. Societal norms often place restrictive expectations on men, influencing how they express emotions and manage well-being. Moreover, male brains behave differently, and cultural and geographical contexts further shape these expectations. It’s essential for all of us to introspect, identify any unconscious biases we may hold, and actively work to address them. Creating psychologically safe spaces not just within the workplace, but everywhere where men and boys can speak up and be heard without judgment is vital. To all men: let’s prioritize both our physical and mental health. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember, you are never alone. #InternationalMensDay #DiversityEquityInclusion #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologicalSafety #MensHealth #UnconsciousBias #SupportAndStrength #Inclusivity

Today is International Men’s Day. (And it’s more important than you think.) It’s a moment to celebrate the contributions of men in our lives, to highlight positive role models, and to acknowledge the challenges men face quietly every day. But here’s a question: When was the last time we paused to have open, judgment-free conversations about mental health, workplace pressure, or the silent battles men often endure? (Statistics show men are less likely to seek help when they need it most. Why?) Today is not just about appreciation. It’s about raising awareness, breaking stereotypes, and creating space for honest dialogue. To every man juggling roles, bearing responsibilities, or silently pushing forward—this day is for you. Let’s start by checking in on the men in our lives. A quick “How are you, really?” can go a long way. What does International Men’s Day mean to you? #InternationalMensDay #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheStigma #MenMatter #PositiveRoleModels #OpenConversations #SupportMen

It's International Men’s Day. It’s a day we should all get behind. You hear a lot about outdated stereotypes, but they’re still very much alive when it comes to men. Too many people still believe men shouldn’t be sensitive or caring, or worse, assume we’re all stuck in the past and sexist by nature. That’s just not true. Being a man comes with its own set of challenges. Society has this idea that we’ve got to be tough, never show emotion, always have it together, and just “man up” no matter what. But let’s be honest—that’s a load of rubbish. Life’s tough, and pretending we’re fine all the time doesn’t do anyone any favours. Then there’s mental health. Men are far less likely to open up about how they’re feeling or ask for help when they need it. Yet we’re the ones who make up most of the suicide statistics. That’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? And it’s not because men don’t feel—it’s because we’ve been told for years that showing emotion is weak. International Men’s Day is a chance to shine a light on this stuff. It’s not about competing with anyone or saying men have it worse—it’s about recognising that men face unique pressures too. It’s about making it OK for men to talk, to feel, and to ask for help without being judged. So, this year, let’s bin the stereotypes and have real conversations about what it means to be a man. Let’s support men’s mental health, celebrate the good blokes out there, and work towards a world where men and women can all thrive. Because at the end of the day, looking after men’s wellbeing is good for everyone. #internationalmensday