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Men's Movember!
November Blog Post - Movember
Movember is responsible for thousands of moustaches being grown on men's faces, in the UK during November.
Movember aims to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health and specifically prostate and testicular cancer awareness.
Movember emphasises the importance of tending to men's mental health and to ensure that men maintain a healthy mental state. An aspect of men's mental health which is important to mention, is the link between mental health issues and gambling.
The UK has one of the biggest gambling markets in the world – Generating a profit of £14.2 billion in 2020. Research has shown that gambling can not only harm to the individual that is gambling but their families and communities are also affected. (Gov.UK,2023)
Many men globally turn to gambling as a way of coping often with symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Gambling can act as a relief-providing activity, as it suppresses feelings during tough circumstances. It can lead to a form of dependency leading an individual to withdraw from social situations, this then becomes gambling harm as the actions become a necessity rather than a form of enjoyment.
A decline in men's mental health often develops from self-isolation and withdrawal from their community. Loneliness, if not dealt with can lead to coping strategies of harmful habits such as uncontrollable gambling. Gambling is often marketed as harmless entertainment, but it has developed to become accessible online removing the need to travel to a physical betting shop. Gambling is often promoted and sponsored by sporting companies and social media platforms. Men are more likely to gamble than Women and this difference is most obvious in online gambling where 15% of men participate compared to 4% of women. (GOV.UK,2023) Men gambling online can contribute to an individual self-isolation. When an individual gambles routinely to manage their emotions this may then lead to continuous financial difficulty and deepening mental health issues.
Movember encourages men to work together to reduce their stigma on mental health, through discussion and advocacy. Feeling confident to ask for support from others, helps individuals seek assistance in a non-judgemental environment. Individuals having support networks makes a safer environment for those affected by gambling to seek support.
The Primary Care Gambling Service aims to reduce gambling harms and hopefully increase an individuals' mental health. We are highlighting Movember within our service, as men's mental health is a priority for the Primary Care Gambling Service. Treatment that we can offer to patients can vary, depending on the individuals’ circumstances. These can consist of one 2 one therapy, case management, therapist lead online groups and care plans implemented with the GP. These treatment plans created by the Primary Care Gambling Service support the initial steps toward recovering from gambling-related harm.
Published: Dec 6, 2024