Herbcast 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 herbdoctorphil@gmail.com
Find 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