Stress and addiction rise blamed on recession

SUPPORT groups dealing with the least well-off and unemployed are facing an increase in demand from men suffering recession-related health problems.

Men suffering from stress and anxiety accounted for most of the people contacting groups like St Vincent de Paul, Citizens Information centres and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

Some 56% of organisations reported a jump in demand linked with alcohol or drug dependency, while feelings of isolation and family conflicts also led to an increase in pleas for help.

At the start of Men’s Health Week, a report by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) warned of the hidden effects of the recession on men because of their reluctance to talk.

IPH associate director Owen Metcalfe said: “This research has identified the relationship between being unemployed and suffering ill health, particularly mental health for men.

“Men’s health issues in times of economic recession are made more difficult by their tendency to take fewer health preventative measures, and be less likely to seek support.”

The all-island research, Facing the Challenge – The Impact of the Recession and Unemployment on Men’s Health in Ireland, found 93% of frontline organisations that were in contact with unemployed men had linked health challenges to being out of work.

Mental health problems were more prevalent than physical problems, with high levels of stress and anxiety the main reasons for the rise in demands for support.

Out of the 72 groups asked, 89% reported that health-related issues for men had led to an increase in demand for their services.

The highest increases were reported by Citizens Information centres, MABS and St Vincent de Paul projects.

According to the report, 37% of organisations considered drug and alcohol dependency as a very important issue for men they work with, and 56% reported an increase in demand for their services as a result of this.

Some 23% rated physical health problems as a very important issue, with 46% of organisations reporting an increase in demand for their services because of this.

Organisations in the North recorded the highest overall increases in demand for their services from men suffering stress or anxiety, personal conflict problems or feelings of isolation.

Local employment centres also reported an increase in demand from men as a result of alcohol and drug dependency linked to unemployment.

Rural projects experienced more pressure on services because of stress and anxiety, communications and isolation problems than urban-based groups.

For the first time, unemployment problems were the top priority for family resource centres.

Meanwhile, the IPH expressed concern at the rise in male suicides on both sides of the Border.

For the 12 months to June 2010, there were 427 male suicides compared to 379 in the previous 12-month period in the Republic.

In the North, a record 313 people took their own lives — 240 men and 73 women.