Nov 2024
by IGEM Midlands Section

Men's Mental Health

Andrew Pain discussed the pressing issues faced by men today, why men and boys are struggling and explored effective ways to support them in becoming the best versions of themselves.

Andrew Pain is a motivational speaker, combining his lived experiences as a domestic abuse survivor with 20 years of leadership and HR expertise. Andrew brought unique insights and perspectives to the discussion. He explored topics such as; 

  • The testosterone crisis: why testosterone is often misunderstood, why it's so important for male physical and mental wellbeing, why levels are rapidly dropping across all age groups globally, and how to reverse the drop.
  • The rise of men's communities and what we can learn from their success in creating our own communities.
  • The role of psychological safety and allyship in creating more cohesive working communities. What do these words mean and how do you deliver on them on a day-to-day basis? 
  • Fatherhood: what are the parenting challenges faced by various groups of men, from new fathers to those caught in the family courts and who may not live with their children, to childless men (not by choice)
  • Men in the media - how does the existing narrative about men in the media fuel the crisis and how do we redefine a masculinity which is fit for the 21st century?
  • Gender bias, Gamma bias and Beta bias - what do these terms mean and how do they shape our views on men, women and people?