Mental health can affect any one, any gender, race and age, however, research has shown certain mental illnesses can affect men and women differently. Men’s Health Week is used to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Stigma around men’s mental health is still around but more men are now getting help; only 36% of men access psychological therapies. However, some men fail to recognise the warning signs of a mental illness and don’t seek the help that they need from support services. They can also rely on unsustainable self-help strategies which may not help in overcoming a mental illness.

More women are diagnosed with a mental illness than men which makes the rate of suicide significantly higher. 4 in 5 suicides are men and it is the biggest cause of death for men under 35.

Men are stereotypically seen as the strong ones who need to ‘man up’ when faced with a problem and to show no weakness. But this is simply not the case, men don’t have to be the strong ones if they aren’t able. Suffering from a mental illness does not make you any less of a man.

Improve Mens Mental Health

Here is a short list compiled by the charity MIND showing strategies proven to improve men’s mental health.

- Talking to someone you trust

- Reading up on mental health and guidance for it

- Finding a support group

- Considering why you find it uncomfortable to ask for help and if those reasons are actually what is stopping you from asking

- Raising awareness on men’s mental health

If you believe you need support for an emotional difficulty or mental health illness do not hesitate to see your doctor. The stigma behind men’s mental health needs to change. Charities and the media are trying to end the stigma, especially for asking for support. Counselling can be one option for help but there are so many more out there. If you would like to speak to someone in confidence regarding counselling or have issues which are causing you concern,  please contact us here.