Show Notes for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Episode 146: How to Reduce Suicide in Men - Male Mental Health

In this special episode, Dr. Marianne Trent explores the critical issue of male suicide, particularly in high-risk professions. Joined by three guests with unique insights, this episode provides practical, actionable advice on how we can better support men’s mental health.

Guests include:

• Lee Stuart, an ex-Marine now working in the building trade, who shares his personal journey and discusses why suicide rates are disproportionately high in the construction industry.

• Sharon May, a researcher and farmer's wife, discusses her recent Master’s research on mental health challenges in the farming community, one of the most at-risk groups for suicide.

• Charlie Bethel, CEO of Men’s Sheds UK, who explains how Men’s Sheds are creating life-saving communities and connections for men, offering them a safe space to talk, connect, and gain a sense of purpose.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, aspiring psychologist, or simply someone looking to better understand men’s mental health, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how we can reduce suicide rates in these vital sectors.

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Key Takeaways:

• Why construction, farming, and other male-dominated industries see such high suicide rates.

• The importance of community, purpose, and mental health support for men.

• Practical steps to create positive mental health environments in these industries.

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The Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Men’s Suicide Rates
• 01:08 - The Importance of Addressing High-Risk Groups
• 02:12 - Introducing Lee: Ex-Marine and Building Trade Worker
• 03:01 - The Mental Health Challenges in Transitioning Careers
• 05:04 - The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Mental Health
• 09:42 - Exploring Suicide Rates in the Construction Industry
• 11:29 - Lee's Reflections on Varied Work, Diet, and Mental Health
• 15:44 - The Importance of Recognising Practical Intelligence in Trades
• 18:33 - Encouraging Career Changes for Better Mental Health
• 21:03 - Introducing Sharon: Farmer's Wife and Mental Health Researcher
• 28:34 - Mental Health Challenges in the Farming Community
• 31:50 - Barriers to Help-Seeking for Farmers
• 36:15 - How to Support Farmers' Mental Health
• 39:28 - Introducing Charlie: CEO of Men's Sheds UK
• 40:40 - The Impact of Men's Sheds on Mental Health
• 43:23 - Practical Examples of Suicide Prevention in Men’s Sheds
• 46:37 - How to Join or Support a Men's Shed

📲 Connect with Lee: https://www.instagram.com/steelbeamlifter.mids.northwest/

📲 Connect with Sharon: https://www.instagram.com/kingsclerecounsellingservice/

📲 Connect with Charlie and Men's Sheds UK: https://www.instagram.com/ukmenssheds/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-bethel-9096bb37/

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

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#mensmentalhealth #farming #farmingmentalhealth #builders #menssheds #malementalhealth