Lets Talk... Mental Health

The statistics are terrifying. Any death is tragic. A death as a result of suicide is devastating, but when you realise 3 out of 4 people in the UK who commit suicide are men, you begin to realise that a conversation around men’s mental health is not only relevant, but also utterly vital.

This men’s health week, we wanted to spend a little bit of time talking about the current mental health crisis, what help and support is available and some of the things that you can do to hopefully help when crisis hits.

Although suicide rates are dropping in the UK, one death is still one too many. We have seen a much greater conversation around mental health over the last few years and the continued dialogue has made a huge difference, but there is still a long way to go.

Understanding the reason for this crisis with men is where it all begins, although in reality the causes are legion. There is no simple answer as to why the suicide rates are higher with men. The contributing factors are as unique and individual as the men themselves but one thing is certain. Even with all the narrative around mental health, men are still avoiding opening up in the same way as women do which reduces the possibility of them receiving the help that they need. There is still a stigma attached to expressing their emotions, and as long as that stands, there will continue to be issues as far as asking for help and opening up goes.

So, what are the signs to look out for and what can you do to create an environment that will encourage the people you care about to feel comfortable coming forward when they are in crisis?

Be Aware of the Signs

Just like the individuals, a mental health crisis can show itself in a myriad of different ways and will be completely unique to that person. With some there will be obvious change, and with others, it may not be as noticeable.

Some of the signs to watch out for are –

Dramatic changes in personality, mood, and/or behaviour
Excessive drug or alcohol use
An inability to perform everyday tasks (getting out of bed, brushing teeth, etc)
Mood swings, increased agitation, abusive or violent behaviour
Self-harm or self-medicating
Psychosis (experiencing hallucinations or delusions)
Paranoia
Thoughts or talk of suicide

If these actions and behaviours become apparent, let them know that you are there for them and that there is help available. Remember that any talk around suicide should always be taken very seriously.

Support, Support, Support

Support is huge, but its also very important to remember that you need support as well. Unless you are a trained therapist and know how to separate yourself, you need to look after your own mental health whilst supporting the people you love. Encourage them to pursue external help alongside their own personal support network. There are a lot of groups now that work specifically with men, offering a safe, open environment for them to go to and meet other men in similar situations. Sometimes, knowing that you are not alone and having someone who can understand how you are feeling can be the first step in working through what can seem like insurmountable issues.

Speak To A Professional

Regardless of gender, therapy is invaluable when going through a mental health crisis. Everyone of us is unique and not every process will work for every personality, but a good therapist will work with you to find out what treatment is best. The NHS provides a selection of different therapies and if you want to go private, there are a huge number of available therapists. Helping the men in our lives realise that seeking out therapy doesn’t make them weak is paramount to helping them move forward in the right direction.

Remove The Stigma

The more we talk openly about mental health and the importance of self care, the easier it will become. Toxic masculinity has left many men feeling that they cannot open up because it shows weakness, and its important to remove the stigma associated with that. Although we have made huge amounts of progress in changing the general thinking around this, the current figures have proven that there is still a long way to go. The best way to make change is to be the change that you want to see in the world.

Don’t Suffer In Silence

Anxiety and depression can feel like the loneliest and most overwhelming thing in the world, and being comfortable enough opening up about it can feel impossible.

There are so many groups around the country now that cater specifically to men and that have worked hard to create a safe environment for those who are struggling. Below is a list of some of them, along with numbers for anyone in crisis.

Andy’s Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy’s Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk )

Peer Support Groups | ManHealth

MANUP? | MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY