"Lets Shatter the Silence"
As we near the end of Men’s Health Month, I wanted to write about something that we don’t talk about often enough, Men and their mental health. As Operations Manager of DGMHA and overseeing all services and employees of the organisation I feel that it is an important topic to discuss. The majority of us will have significant male role models in our lives, which is why we should be transparent about men’s mental health and encourage them to talk about it more.
Despite being a vital component of our general well-being, mental health is still a subject that is disregarded, stigmatised, and poorly understood, particularly among men.
Too often men who are portrayed to be the strong figures in our lives, feel shame in addressing and talking about their emotions resulting in an alarming rise in the rates of substance abuse, depression, suicide, and other mental health conditions.
Personally, I know one to many men who show signs of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions but do nothing about it because they think admitting it makes them weak. They don’t want to go to their GP or pharmacy for help as they are afraid, they will be judged.
Men don’t always show the signs we often associate with depression, such as sadness. Instead, they may come across angry or aggressive, which makes it simpler for loved ones to overlook the warning indicators that something is wrong. As a result, men might be deprived of the necessary treatment.
Depression is a serious mental health condition, that affects daily life, including the way a person eats, sleeps, feels and thinks. It can also affect the ability to work and maintain relationships. Depression is not a sign of weakness and can affect any man.
Seeking assistance, whether from a professional or a loved one, requires bravery. Self-help measures, like seeking out social support, exercising, changing to a heathier diet, and making other lifestyle adjustments are generally well received by men. Every day, this makes them feel a little better. There is professional assistance available and ought to be promoted.
Statistics
According to Mental Health Foundation Scotland
37% of Scottish men have experienced suicidal thoughts due to stress.
31% of Scottish men report drinking more alcohol in response to stress and depression.
In Scotland – just under ¾ of all suicides are male.
Treatment
Therapy: Talk therapy can involve working with a mental health professional to identify and address mental health issues. Therapy can be conducted in person, online, or over the phone and can help men develop coping strategies, manage symptoms, and improve their overall mental health.
Medication: In some cases, medication can be used to treat mental health issues. This may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, or mood stabilizers. Medication can help manage symptoms and improve overall mental health but should always be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Support groups: Support groups can be valuable for men struggling with mental health issues. These groups provide a safe space for men to share their experiences, connect with others going through similar challenges, and receive emotional support.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-management techniques, can also improve mental health. These changes can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
This Men’s Health Month, I want to emphasize the importance of having more conversations about mental health. Check in with the men in your life. Ask them how they are doing, enquire about their emotional state. Be patient, listen and offer your support if you believe someone you care about is depressed. Urge him to consult a mental health specialist or professional. Promote self-help advice. It is neither safe nor healthy to suffer in silence.
Let him know he’s not alone because dealing with mental health issues can be overwhelming and isolating. He can feel better with the help of others.
Just remember the happiest of faces may be suffering too. It's okay not to be okay, and it's okay to talk about it.
Let’s shatter the silence.
Claire Wilson - Operations Manager