Men’s Health Week

The theme this year is ‘men’s health and the internet’ – which emphasises the impact of technology and social media on mental health.

This annual event aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to gain the courage to tackle their issues.

Men and mental health

According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately 1-in-8 men have anxiety, stress, or depression. When left unattended, these problems can worsen and be detrimental.

Some current statistics are: In the UK, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. Furthermore, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. These stats show the importance of removing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

Peterborough Women’s Aid want to support men with helping them to reach out, talk about their difficulties and seek support especially when it comes to Domestic Abuse. Men can do this through our new B-United project where we support male victims of Domestic Abuse.

There is no secret that a certain amount of stigma exists regarding men’s mental health, and sadly some men still feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health openly. According to recent statistics, 40% of men won’t talk about their mental health with their friends or family, meaning many suffer in silence. While the topic is becoming more prevalent, there is still a need.

Identifying the symptoms

There may not always be clear signs you’re dealing with a serious issue. If your life satisfaction seems to have taken a knock or you have a feeling like you want to be alone a lot, there could be more going on. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with mental illness:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
• Noticeable changes in mood
• Difficulty sleeping
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Constant low energy
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Ignoring personal hygiene

Men often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their mental health. But the bravest thing is to tackle the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. You are not alone. Many other people are going through the same emotions and struggling to find the best way to cope.