Counselling for blokes!
Men are still a bit rubbish at getting the help they need…
Today, even though there is more of an awareness of mental health issues, men still find it difficult to seek help. Mental illness affects everyone regardless of gender. It’s wrong to think men don’t struggle just because they’re expected to be strong and silent.
Facts about men’s mental health
Three times as many men as women die by suicide.
Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK.
Men are less likely to access psychological help than women.
Men are more likely to go missing or use alcohol and drugs to cope.
Signs of poor mental health in men
Changes in energy level, mood or appetite
Anger, aggression or irritability
Compulsive or reckless behavior
Sleeping too much or too little
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness
Feeling anxious or stressed
Becoming withdrawn and losing interest
Increased reliance on substances
Unhelpful things men think!
“I’m fine , I just need to man up!”
“I don’t know how to talk about my feelings.”
“I’m a man, I should be able to cope with this!”
“My mates will have a right laugh if they find out I’m getting help.”
“What good will talking do anyway?”
“Going to counselling feels like admitting I’m weak. In the military, we’re taught to tough it out, not talk it out.”
“I’ve always solved my own problems. I don’t need someone else telling me what to do.”