Men, Mental Health & Herbal Medicine; How Herbalism Can Support Mental Resilience with Phil Deakin

“Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50” Phil’s route to herbal practice has encompassed work as a doctor in hospitals, primary care and unscheduled care settings. Although he now identifies as a herbalist, his experiences in conventional healthcare have equipped him to reference a number of perspectives when supporting people with their health and wellbeing as a herbal practitioner. Phil has presented guidance and created resources for herbalists and students on possible approaches to men's health issues - both in terms of physiological wellbeing and through the lens of perceived masculinities and their impacts on men's mental health and help-seeking behaviours. More recently, his career development has focussed on some work around equality, diversity, and inclusion, emphasising LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Phil works in Sheffield where he lives with his husband and a small white mischievous cat. In this episode, Phil chats with Simon about why he transitioned from a GP to a herbalist and how herbalism is the best environment to tackle men’s health issues.Phil talks on:The pandemic - why were men more affected?How masculinity affects men’s health and help-seeking behaviours.Vulnerabilities in men’s health.Herbalism on mental and spiritual wellbeing.The dangers of purchasing herbal products without guidance.How to frame and discuss men’s health in herbal consultations.Strategies and tools to empower the patient.Top-tier men's health issues that can identify red flags.You can reach Phil via email at [email protected] out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com