10th – 16th June 2024 is International Men’s Mental Health Week. It may feel like there are too many ‘awareness dates’, however this week is especially important. Men are far less likely to talk about mental health than women (it is thought that only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men and 40% of men have never spoken about their mental health). This is despite the fact that three times as many men than women die by suicide and men are more likely to become dependent on alcohol and drugs.
In an industry like cybersecurity, where stress and burnout permeate every level, these statistics are even more harrowing. The 2022 State of Mental Health in Cybersecurity report by Tines found that 64% of cyber professionals say that their mental health affects their ability to get work done, and 64% say that work impacts their mental health, with half of those surveyed saying that they have been prescribed medication for their mental health. One survey found that 1 in 6 CISOs self-medicate. We cannot create a safer and more secure future without prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our friends, peers and colleagues.
With cybersecurity, adversaries don’t take a day off and safeguarding data can feel like a harrowing burden – and that’s a lot to carry. However, there’s always support. Below, we have compiled a list of resources that can be accessed for urgent support and advice on mental health. No issue is too big or too small and there is always someone who will listen.
Resources:
UK Emergency Services: If you are in danger, call 999. For urgent mental health advice or support, call 111. Alternatively, visit https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptom to access immediate advice.
More urgent NHS advice here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
The Samaritans: Free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence. Call 116 123, email [email protected] (for a reply within 24 hours )or visit https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Mind: Visit the Mind website for advice and support – https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
Shout 85258: For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line. Visit https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
CALM: For support, guides and advice when it comes to suicide and mental health, the CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) website is exceptionally useful. Visit: https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: From 6pm until midnight, the NSPH is open for suicidal persons. Call 0800 689 5652 or visit https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/ for more information.
Rethink Mental Health: For advice, visit: https://www.rethink.org/aboutus/what-we-do/advice-and-information-service/get-help-now/
