Let’s talk about Men’s Mental Health.
How do men look after their mental health?
How can men look after their mental health.
Whilst it is widely acknowledged that men and boys are less likely to talk about their thoughts and feelings when they are struggling with their emotions, this doesn’t always necessarily mean they are not struggling.
How do they cope?
There are many factors and reasons for men not feeling comfortable or confident to reach out for support – some of which may be instigated by levels of stigma, societal expectations within gender roles, cultural or religious understanding within our individual environments.
Societal expectations along with our cultural background will also inform us usually of what is expected of us respectively within our genders. Sometimes, these areas of developmental understanding and individual childhood experiences can then influence our own perception of how we ‘should’ or should not behave, or sometimes even how we should react when feeling overwhelmed within our mental health.
Historically men have always been the breadwinners, the protectors and security providers within a family unit. However, as we are now aware, society has changed much of that interpretation for differing generations, but in some cultures, there may still be a strong definition and connection to this outline and understanding.
So, all this forms our connection and understanding to our own perceptions of who we represent and what is expected of us.
- Statistics from around the world identify that from the many suicides recorded in any given year, 75percent will relate to that of men and men under the age of 50.
- ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ quote that – In the UK men are three times more likely to die by suicide then women. In the Republic of Ireland, the rate is four times higher among men than women.
- It also highlights that while there has been a reduction in the number of suicides over the last ten years, the numbers are still worryingly high.
- World Suicide Prevention Day – Is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide a worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.
As we begin to emerge from the worlds pandemic, Covid-19 – Let us shine a light towards the importance of ‘Men’s Mental Health’ and the care of ‘Men’ and ‘boys’ as they form the bedrock of any family unit.
At Shama Women’s Centre we have a dedicated ‘Bereavement to Achievement’ programme supporting both Men and Women, which is accessible by the whole family.
It’s not the easiest thing for men to reach out and seek support but please be reassured that we do have a group of dedicated experienced bilingual staff to guide you within your need for support.
Whether it be access to our services or for signposting and referral to another organisation if that is required.
Some men seek out differing ‘coping strategies’ when it comes to tackling their emotional difficulties. We may be aware that sometimes these ‘coping strategies’ don’t always facilitate that need to communicate our distress to others – It is still very much contained? Or bottled up?
We need someone to hear of our struggles, support us and comfort us in the more difficult times.
When our worries, struggles and difficulties accumulate and remain in our thoughts and minds, it’s all too consuming and overwhelming to bear or to even comprehend and therefore begins to impact our day to day functioning; our interactions with others and the care of others, if we have dependants to care for.
Some people’s understanding of coping and stress management may be a combination of things and we all have our vices to get through the very many difficulties, abuse, losses and bereavement that we may be experiencing: Exercising, Socialising, Drinking, Drugs, Gambling.
These above ‘go to’ vices, whilst they are avenues that we access to comprehend and cope with our struggles in the immediacy of events – long term inevitably cause significant further distress and another layer of issues that we then have to work with in order to just function day to day.
Sometimes the reason we feel compelled to gravitate towards these vices is simply because we feel overwhelmed and have no-one to turn to or feel that no one will be able to support us without judgement or they may ridicule us for our behaviours, decisions and actions thus further feeding our negativity cycle.
How can men access support?
With different pressures and expectations they can start with a simple conversation with a friend/relative or a colleague. In order to access support we have to REACH out.
Keep it simple, choose someone you trust, respect and care for, as they will also be that person for you. This may then make it a little easier to discuss your struggles with.
Or
You can access support from your GP, who will assess your needs and offer you avenues of support that you may then be able to access. There are a lot of existing resources in the community – all you have to do is ASK.
