A project that enables professional men facing burnout, identity loss, and isolation to reconnect with their authentic self
A project that enables professional men facing burnout, identity loss, and isolation to reconnect with their authentic self
CIGNA UK
BUPA
NCISH
US BASED STUDY
Men aged 45–64 have the highest suicide rates in England & Wales (ONS)
74% of adults felt overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year, with middle-aged men being significantly affected. (Mental Health Foundation UK)
1 in 3 men said work pressure caused them to feel down or depressed leading to a crisis of confidence (Mind 2019)
77% of professional men have experienced some form of burnout in their current job with over half citing more than one instance (Deloitte 2021)
30-40% of professional men are affected by related issues, even if not labelled as such (multiple studies)
Middle-aged men are more likely to die by suicide than any other age group (Samaritans)
Many men in their 40s & 50s experience a growing sense of purposelessness or disconnection, especially as careers plateau or end and parenting roles change." (Movember Foundation 2021)
In 2023, a U.S. longitudinal study reported that workers in high-risk occupations (e.g., those with high job demands and emotional stress) had 20% higher odds of developing psychological distress compared to those in low-risk jobs. The risk grew with tenure, up to 77% higher after 15 years
For many men aged 45 to 65, particularly those in demanding professional roles, this isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s a lived experience. As children become independent, careers plateau or lose meaning, and long-held roles as partner or parent begin to shift, silent questions begin to surface: Who am I? Am I still relevant? Am I still needed? What's my role?
The Vanishing Man Project has been set up to make sure that these questions, and many more, don't go unanswered, and that no man has to face it alone.
Our mission is to provide 'self help' on-line diagnostic tools, a 'can help / need help' peer to peer support network, 'reframe' learning resources, in-person retreats, and 'recolouring' challenges.
Our number one goal is simple but urgent: to get professional men talking.
Our key objective is to provide a space where men can recognise what's happening, reframe how they see themselves and their circumstances, and ultimately recolour their lives with purpose, resilience, and hope.
If you've been affected by any of these issues, or would like to support the project please don't wait, get in touch now.
Copyright © 2024 Andy Syms - 'Recolouring the Vanishing Man' - All Rights Reserved.