Men’s Mental Health and How an Injury Can Affect It

While it’s becoming increasingly relevant today, with many stepping up and speaking out, men’s mental health is still a topic that some don’t like talking about. Due to stigma, confidence or simply fear of not being listened to, there are many who still feel overlooked, and one area that doesn’t receive as much attention is men’s mental health after injury.

Suffering a serious injury that’s caused by clinical or medical negligence can be an overwhelming time that affects many parts of daily life. From physical abilities to your mental health, it can leave you feeling stressed, confused and alone. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Getting justice for damages that weren’t your fault can be the first step in overcoming not only physical injuries, but the mental impact it can cause.

We’ll examine why having the right support for your mental health is crucial for men overcoming their injuries, as well as the stigma that still surrounds men’s mental health in general. Our clinical negligence team have the expertise to assist those going through a trying time like this and understand that asking for help and support can be difficult; but it doesn’t need to be.

The Conversation of Men’s Mental Health

Men’s mental health has been a topic of conversation that, in the past, hasn’t been talked about enough. Despite society taking notice and doing something about it, there are still men that can find it hard to talk about how they feel and ask for help, due to societal norms telling them they should hide their feelings and be strong and masculine.

This can be passed down through generations and therefore make men feel like they shouldn’t talk about their feelings, even if they’re going through a life event, such as serious injury. It’s a barrier that needs to be dismantled, and part of our job as solicitors is to encourage you to speak out.

How Injury Can Affect Men’s Mental Health

It may feel as if physical effects of an injury are harder to ignore than mental ones and while this may be true, it shouldn’t be blindly accepted. Pain, time off work and other activities and reduced mobility are important and not to be overlooked, but just because we can’t see mental effects, doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

• Financial pressure from time off – if you must take time off due to an injury, it can cause feelings of stress and worry, especially if you’re the main provider in your home.
• A loss of independence and identity – there are many men who feel that they should be independent and strong, whether that’s through work or other activities, so when an injury affects this, it can make you feel lost.
• Fear from the incident that caused the injury – if you’ve undergone a procedure that went wrong or have suffered a misdiagnosis, it can lead you to feel deceived and unsafe.
• Family and relationships – some may feel a strain on their relationships if loved ones want them to open up but it feels like they can’t. As time goes on, the lack of communication can have a negative effect on these relationships.

It’s understandable to feel like this and recognising that your feelings are valid is the first step. Despite this, some men may acknowledge how they feel but still resist talking about it.

Signs to Look Out for That You or Someone You Know is Struggling

It’s important to recognise when someone, or even yourself, needs help. Being able to recognise when someone is struggling is a good first step to getting the assistance needed to get back to living life how you want.

• Someone struggling may spend less time with family and friends and even avoid speaking to others completely, shutting themselves off.
• You may notice feelings of being on edge, irritability or frustration that occur more than usual, and sometimes for seemingly no reason.
• Eating and sleeping habits may change, which can have a further negative impact on physical health.
• Feeling apprehensive about treatment or a claim that’s been set up, including missing appointments and feeling too stressed to continue getting better.

These aren’t factors that mean there’s something wrong with you or your loved one; being able to identify these warning signs can help with recovery. If you notice a family member or friend showcasing these signs, you can gently speak to them and let them know you’re there to listen.

Setting Up a Claim for Clinical or Medical Negligence and How It Can Affect You

Going through serious injury can be overwhelming, and setting up a claim can feel like a big next step. But overcoming this hurdle is the next step on your journey to recovery. Once your claim is set up, you may start experiencing feelings of anxiety and stress as you go through the process: wait times, collecting evidence, even the uncertainty as to how to claim will resolve. Even in the weeks and months after a claim has been resolved and closed, you may find it difficult to adjust to the resolution, which could’ve brought on factors like different circumstances and treatment.

Your feelings are valid, and you’ll be able to speak to us about how you feel throughout the process. Even just letting us know how you’re dealing with the process, positive or negative, can feel cathartic, so never be afraid to express how you feel. If things start to feel negative, we’ll be there to listen without judgement.

Recovery Isn’t Just Physical, It’s Mental, Too

Serious injury recovery affects more than just your body; it affects the mind as well. It can play a huge part in your daily life, affecting your work, hobbies, relationships and more.

While stigma and stereotypes have hindered the conversation about men’s mental health, society has still come a long way in the past few years. Struggling with your mental health following an injury isn’t a sign of vulnerability and weakness, it’s normal.

Deciding to set up a claim for medical or clinical negligence is a big step, and one that we don’t take lightly – asking for help takes courage. We’ll be here to listen to your situation without judgement, and we’ll endeavour to help you get the justice you deserve, whether that’s compensation, treatment or something more.

How Can We Help?

Rhian Lowe is a Partner and Head of our Civil Litigation Team specialising in medical negligence and personal injury.

If you have any queries on the above subject, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Rhian on 01206 694 585 or complete our online enquiry form.