Men’s Mental Health…
What?
Anyone and everyone can struggle with their mental health, but it’s important to realise why mental health outcomes are different for men and women. For years, men have been under pressure to maintain an image of traditional masculinity. This means they are less likely to talk to others about their feelings, so they suffer in silence.
Men are statistically more likely to experience substance abuse, exhibit violence, and more likely to die by suicide. This has been exacerbated by longstanding talk of men being viewed as weak for expressing their emotions, and by media portraying crying men as something to be mocked.
Why?
Men experience mental health problems for the same reasons that women do. Some reasons why they may hide their problems are;
Societal expectations.
Fear of response from others.
Race. Due to systemic racism and social expectations of masculinity, Black men are more likely to hide their struggles. They are also more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act and face disproportionate barriers to seeking help.
How can I help?
If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, regardless of what the problem is or how you might perceive the severity of it, you are welcome to get in contact with us using the form below. We promise to treat everyone the same, regardless of gender or race.
If you need urgent mental health support you can;
Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
Call your local urgent mental health helpline: 111 / Samaritans 116123 / Papyrus HOPELINE 08000684141