Help For Men
It Is Not Helpless - You Are Not Alone
Men seem to be the group left behind when it comes to Mental Health, and that needs to change.
According to The Mental Health Foundation:
- Three times as many men die by suicide than women.
- Torbay has one of the highest male suicide rates in the country, ages 19 to 49.
- Men report lower levels of 'life satisfaction' than women, according to the Government’s national well-being survey.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are from men.
In addition, men are far more likely than women to keep their problems to themselves, suffer in silence, not want to burden anyone with their troubles, do it on their own, go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol, and use drugs frequently.
The truth is that men often feel that it's a sign of weakness to open up about their emotional and mental struggles. Stigma can leave them feeling like they will be judged, laughed at, or are not "real men" if they are finding it hard to cope with life's struggles. This is far from the truth as it takes bravery and courage to admit that you need help. The hardest part for most men is that first step, which is why many male celebrities, sporting stars, and members of the Royal family are working hard to get the message out there that it's okay to talk.
Men's Mental Health issues range from life changing illnesses, divorces, abusive relationships (physical/emotional/psychological), to disabilities, betrayals, redundancies, bereavements, feelings of shame, guilt, loneliness, or isolation etc.
If you or someone you know are struggling then please reach out. We all need support sometimes and being able to have a friendly and understanding chat in a fully confidential and private space can be life changing. There is nothing wrong with exploring your thoughts, troubles, life's meaning, emotions, past or future, it can be totally life changing.
Our counsellors understand how hard it can be, and we will respect you and your courage all the more for it.
