Mental health is an issue that affects many people: latest estimates state that 1 in 6 adults experienced a ‘common mental disorder’ such as depression or anxiety.  However statistics show that men are less likely to access psychological therapies in comparison to women. 

The lack of support may be why men are more vulnerable to turning to alcohol, drugs, sleeping rough  and putting themselves at risk.

ONS published that in 2021, male suicide rather was 15.8 per 100,000 compared to female suicide rate of 5.5 per 100,000 in England(Samaritans). Illustrating ,Mental health does not discriminate, so why do we?. 

 

In 2022; why are men still not reaching out for mental health support? 

Men talking about their emotions has been stigmatised by society for years, there is often the message that showing vulnerability makes them less of a” man”. 

Debunking the Myths  around men’s mental health.

Looking after your mental health does not have to be lying on a couch talking about your feelings. 

 

Myth #1 Mental illness = Weakness

  • It cannot be emphasised enough that struggling with mental health has nothing to do with personal weakness. It is a health condition that millions of men contend with every year..It’s no different than if you develop diabetes or high blood pressure—it can happen to anyone. 

We show our strength by working and building support  to get better.

 

Myth #2  A Man Should Be Able To Control His Feelings

  • You can feel down when there might not be an identifiable reason or cause. It is impossible to always control how you feel, but you can do your best to control how you respond. And that includes choosing whether to ignore our problems or face them before they get out of hand.

 

Myth # 3 Real Men Don’t Ask For Help

  • Sometimes we need an outside perspective on what might be contributing to our mental difficulties. Consulting a professional who has more knowledge of mental health problems and treatment options is the smartest thing to do. Trying to battle a mental health condition on your own is like trying to push a boulder up a mountain by yourself—without a team to back you up, it’s going to be a lot harder.

 

Myth # 4 Talking About mental health Won’t Help

  • Ignoring low mood or anxiety won’t make it go away. Sometimes we think we know all the answers and that talking can’t help a situation. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes our perception of a situation can be skewed by fears or negative life events 
  •  Talking to a friend or mental health professional can sometimes help us to gain a different perspective and see the situation in a different light, or just reminds us that we do not have to go through it alone.

 

Myth #5 Low mood Will Make You A Burden To Others. 

  • Being unhealthy and refusing to seek treatment can put pressure and stress on those that care about you, but asking for help does not make you a burden. It makes people feel good to help a loved one, sharing what you are going through might make it easier for them to support you. 

If you or a man you know might be struggling with their mental health- Inside out has a range of different resources designed to help you as well as access to therapists and coaches that you can reach out to for confidential support from a trained professional in the comfort of your own home. You will be matched with a therapist depending on your needs.. which means finding a male therapist, someone your age, or completely different. You are not alone, reach out today… You are not alone.