Men's Mental Health - Supporting Men To Achieve Good Mental Health Through the Medium of Chat
Why mental health is important
Over the last few years, the world has gradually started to understand the importance of good mental health and wellbeing, however we are still a LONG way from truly making the time and space to work on our mental wellbeing each day.
The truth is, being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy (in fact you cannot be one without the other!), and therefore requires the same amount of attention.
Despite this, our mental health and wellbeing is often neglected, leading many adults to suffer from low mood, anxiety, depression and many other common mental disorders.
The news is not all bleak though, research has shown that when we talk about our thoughts and feelings, we can improve our mood and build our resilience against every day life experiences.
THE REALITY FOR MEN
For many men, poor mental health is a sad reality of their every day life. Whether it's due to societal images of men needing to be "strong" "confident" individuals who don't cry, or the continued stereotypes that men need to be "bread winners" or hyper successful, many men still carry a huge burden which can lead to poor mental health.
Added to this, it's a sad reality that many men feel pressured not to reach out for help, and for those who do, many organisations are still not operating in ways that engage men and make them feel safe, seen & supported.
The Statistics:
- In the UK, there are roughly 6,500 registered suicides each year, a staggering 75% of which are men.
- Three times as many men die by suicide each year compared to women.
- Despite this, only roughly 36% of referrals for talking therapies are for men.
- Nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men.
- 87% of rough sleepers are men.
- Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol and three times as likely to report frequent drug use.
- Men are more likely to be compulsorily detained (or ‘sectioned’) for treatment than women.
- Men are more likely to be victims of violent crime (1.5 more likely than women).
- Men make up the vast majority of the prison population. There are high rates of mental health problems and increased rates of self-harm in prisons.
(Statistics obtained from the Mental Health Foundation)
