New data from mental health charity Mind suggests men are more likely to have work-related mental health problems than women.

Mental health charity Mind surveyed 15,000 employees and found one in three men (32 per cent) attribute poor mental health to their job, compared to one in seven men (14 per cent) who say its problems outside of work.

Women, on the other hand, say that their job and problems outside of work are equal contributing factors.

'Self-medicating with alcohol'

Mind say that instead of talking about their problems, men prefer to watch TV, exercise or self-medicate through drinking alcohol.

One in five women say that their job is the reason for their poor mental health, the same as those who say problems outside of work is to blame (19 per cent).

While two in five women (38 per cent) feel the culture in their organisation makes it possible to speak openly about their mental health problems, only one in three men (31 per cent) say the same.

Two in five women (43 per cent) have taken time off for poor mental health at some point in their career, but this is true for just one in three men (29 per cent).

Managing feelings

Three in five women (58 per cent) feel their manager regularly checks in on how they are feeling, only half of men (49 per cent) feel the same.

Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “Our research shows that work is the main factor causing men poor mental health.”

“Our research shows that the majority of managers feels confident in supporting employees with mental health problems, but they can only offer extra support if they’re aware there is a problem.”

'Outwardly supportive'

Andrew Ormerod, who has bipolar disorder, used to work in marketing for a small company but ended up leaving after disclosing his mental health problems and not getting the support he needed. "My last employer was outwardly supportive, but when things got really bad and I had to take an extended period off, the relationship broke down, and I felt stranded," he says. "When I wanted to return to work, I was told I would be redeployed - effectively a demotion."

Andrew’s mental health is much better now, although it still fluctuates. For the last few years he has worked for a much more supportive, understanding employer – a small tech start up called GrantTree.

“It has made an enormous difference to work for a company that supports and accepts me as a whole person, including my mental health. Our sick leave policy explicitly covers time off for mental health issues - and occasionally I have to use it - but mainly it helps remind me that I'm OK, and there's nothing bad or shameful about needing to look after your emotional health.

Mind is now calling on employers to sign up to the Workplace Wellbeing Index 2017/18 by 18 September 2017. To find out more visit www.mind.org.uk/workplace