UK – Men’s Health has launched a campaign to raise awareness about mental health issues.
- #MendTheGap aims to change the perception of mental health at personal, societal, institutional and governmental levels
- Men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women
Men’s Health is known for its focus on fitness and physical health, but its latest campaign shines a spotlight on the mental health of men. According to mental health charity Mind, suicide is the main cause of death among men under the age of 49.
In June 2016, the magazine released The Hardest Fight of All, a short film starring former professional boxer Ricky Hatton, who reveals his struggles with drink, depression and suicidal thoughts. Its July edition features testimonies from comedian and presenter Stephen Fry, journalist Alastair Campbell and former cricketer Michael Yardy. The magazine has pledged to continue offering tips on safeguarding mental wellbeing to its readers.
‘The Hardest Fight of All was screened at the Stories of Being Festival during Mental Health Awareness Week, and will be shows in schools around the country,’ explains agency Silverfish, which worked in partnership with Men’s Health to produce the film.
The Big Picture
A more open dialogue about self-esteem, body image and depression is helping to transform traditional notions of masculinity. Find out more in our Male Positivity microtrend. It is now more important than ever for publishers to stand up for what they believe in, as LS:N Global examines in our Mission Media microtrend.