Each year on November 19, the world is meant to celebrate International Men’s Day. This is a point of reflection for the British Army at times. This year, we learned the stories of two soldiers who have weathered many storms.

Sergeant Adam Sefton, 36, is an advocate for mental health and a single dad who got out of an abusive marriage and took permanent custody of his sons.

Sefton made a mark at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as a baton bearer. Some of his work has focused on the much-needed subject of mental health. He’s involved with a group called Tough Enough to Care, whose mission is to reduce discrimination against males who seek help for mental health issues.

His journey as a soldier began in 2004, at the age of just 16. His time in the Territorial Army has included tours of both Afghanistan and Iraq.

In 2021, Adam won the ‘Ask me if I’m really Okay’ award at the Dudley Council for Voluntary Service’s Kindness Awards. Adam’s nomination for the award showed how his help has changed the lives of others for the better.

Talking about his work, he says: “As a squadron, we try to make everyone feel welcome when they join and help new recruits to find a purpose and support them throughout their Army Reserve careers. Learning how to support others in terms of mental health and wellbeing are aspects of my role I have developed whilst I’ve been at the squadron. I see this as a normal part of my role.”

Another stellar former soldier is Lieutenant Colonel Tim Osman. He was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s half a decade ago. His journey in the British Army began at the age of 21, and he fought in Afghanistan while he was in the field. 

Tim was told he had Parkinson’s after he turned 40. He could not have continued his successful military career without the help of the Army’s occupational health staff, the Defense Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Stanford Hall, Nottinghamshire, and the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall.

The last several years have been difficult, especially after Tim’s wife, Caroline, broke her leg in a terrible accident while hiking on Dartmoor. Tim was unable to work for a long time as he helped his wife through her sickness while also recovering from his own. The couple’s three children, aged 12, 14, and 16, helped them get through those difficult times.

In May of 2019, Tim will take a break from his regular duties to cycle the 874 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End, in an effort to raise money for Cure Parkinson’s, an organisation dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Tim’s primary sporting interest is rugby. He’s the head coach of the Army Rugby Union men’s team, and he also coaches the Tottonians rugby team in Southampton.

Hearing from men like Tim really puts mental and physical health into perspective. He says, “Like many people I have good days and bad days. But there is always help out there for whatever might be stressing you out or causing you problems. Try to eat well, exercise well, and don’t be afraid to talk to other people.”

As part of the Defense Department’s celebration of International Men’s Day, a wide variety of activities are being planned for both uniformed and civilian workers. Staff members will share their personal experiences with physical and mental health at events including “Testicles, spectacles, wallet and watch,” a panel on “detoxifying masculinity,” and an “inside the male brain” workshop.

This November is all about bringing attention to how important men’s health and wellness are. This is extremely important for members of the British Army.

Suicide claims the lives of more males under the age of 50 than any other cause; the rate is highest among men aged 50–54. This statistic is significantly important when it comes to the British army. 

All members of the Defense Force must now participate in an obligatory annual mental fitness briefing. The most crucial parts of achieving and sustaining mental fitness are covered in the brief; these include stress management, turning stress into resilience, and resources for personnel.

Chief of Defence People, Lieutenant​ General James Swift, said: “International Men’s Day celebrates the value men bring to their work, their families and communities. It’s a chance to have conversations on the wellbeing and mental health of men and boys, and for men to talk about what they may be feeling or going through. It’s just as important to look after our mental health as it is our physical health, and it is okay not to be okay – help is there for anyone who needs it.” 

Whether it’s to mark a day like International Men’s Day or to just support our soldiers, mental and physical health are both things that we must genuinely discuss as often as possible. We applaud these two men for the effort they’ve made; only soldiers could have pushed back the way these two did in the face of instability and uncertainty.