Men – Let’s Talk

Why is it so important for men to feel they can talk openly about their feelings?

Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 25-49, and over 70% of the general population who commit suicide are men. With the psychological effects surrounding coronavirus pandemic, male suicide rates have hit a two-decade high in England and Wales alone.

It’s a big problem, as children, boys are told “You’re the man of the house” “Boys don’t cry, only girls do” “Little man” – thereby perpetuating the need for boys to shrug off their emotions, hide away from their pain and definitely don’t reach out when they are suffering for fear of being seen as less of a man.

Upon speaking to male clients, they are all relieved to be able to finally speak up without fear of embarrassment or without sounding weak, our culture has a lot to answer for, recent initiatives have helped somewhat but like mental health generally we have a long way to go. It is vital that we end stigma around seeking help.

Often men struggle to know where to go for help, they’re reluctant to admit they have a problem in the first place but then to have to ask someone where they should go just shuts the whole process down and if help is sought but the therapist they choose doesn’t work for them then it could be back to square one.

It’s important to remember that you don’t always need to see a therapist, in the first instance talking it out with your mates, reading a self-help book, listening to podcasts can really help.

Pushing the feelings down can make it really hard to understand that you are actually suffering from a mental health issue, one male client said “It was only after a training session where me and a friend opened up to each other, that he told me he had sought therapy, once he told me his symptoms as it were, I had a sinking feeling of that sounds like me but also hope that finally I could deal with it”.

It’s ok to make a joke about it, it doesn’t have to be serious, make it light-hearted if it helps, what is serious is seeking help for your issues before they become too serious.

I have worked successfully with many male clients from all walks of life and cultures, it is never too late to seek advice, I offer a free of charge, no obligation consultation so all you have to lose is a bit of time. Believe me, every client male or female feels nervous making that first move.

I’ll show up for you, you show up for yourself. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here, use the contact form and find out what help is available for you.