November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to encourage men to start a conversation about any issues they might be struggling with, and to reach out for help. However, men are much more likely than women to ignore or hide any mental health problems and are also less likely to seek support from friends or professionals.
This can have devastating consequences: almost 75 per cent of suicides in the UK are by men, and they are more likely than women to resort to other self-harming behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse and risk-taking. Unfortunately, outdated societal perceptions of masculinity can often prevent men from reaching out for support.
Here are some signs a man in your life might be struggling mentally, and how to support them. If you already know someone who is battling with their mental health, they may benefit from our professional therapy services in Manchester city centre.
What are the signs?
Men may not express mental health struggles openly, but often resort to masking or channelling their emotions into unhelpful behaviours. For example, they may be prone to outbursts of anger or irritability; overwork themselves or withdraw from activities they usually enjoy; drink too much; or suffer from unexplained physical ailments such as headaches.
Open a conversation
Often, men find opening up about the way they are feeling a very daunting prospect, but if you have noticed that they are not their usual selves, try to ask a couple of questions. Ask an open question rather than one that will generate a simple yes or no answer, such as ‘I haven’t heard from you lately, what have you been up to?’
Keep the tone gentle and non-judgemental, and don’t pester if it is clear they are not ready to talk. If they do respond with a fuller answer, listen actively without jumping in with your own advice or anecdotes. Simply give them space to talk, and validate or accept their feelings rather than trying to show they are getting het up about nothing.
Encourage them to have a good self-care routine
If you have noticed that the person doesn’t do regular exercise, eats unhealthy foods, or doesn’t make time for hobbies and interests, encourage them to introduce a few changes. For example, you could suggest going for a walk or a bike ride, or cooking a few nutritious meals together.
Be persistent
If you find that at first the person is hostile or dismissive of your attempts to get through to them, leave them be for a few days but don’t give up. Just keep it simple, such as a reminder that you are there if they ever feel like talking.
Suggest professional help
It’s a great first step to start a conversation with someone, but if there are more complex issues at play, they may benefit from talking to a professional such as a counsellor, psychotherapist or GP. Offer to help them research services in their area, or tell them about someone you know who has benefitted from the experience.