Wrapping up Men’s Mental health week with an important message.
Men come in all shapes and sizes and so do Men’s mental health services. There are many different forms of therapy but research suggests that the relationship you have with your therapist is the most important contributor to change. Just as we relate differently to people we meet in our daily lives, we relate better to some therapists than others. If you are seeking mental health support, find someone you can trust and build a relationship with, if your first experience in therapy doesn’t fit, then please try again.
Mental health services come in different shapes and sizes also. Online, face to face, telephone and group therapy to name a few. If you are unsure which form of therapy would be best for you, speak to your GP, contact a few therapists or talk with someone you trust.
If you are in need of immediate support you can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 from the UK & ROI. Phone calls are confidential, they don’t show on your phone bill and give you an opportunity to talk to someone day or night about how you feel.
Current research suggests a number of obstacles are experienced by Men when accessing mental health services. So what can we do to encourage and promote Men’s mental health?
In order to remove stigma, it is important to talk about mental health but services should also be easily accessed. If services are available in schools, workplaces and colleges, Men are more likely to engage with them.
*If you are a parent, are you aware of services available in your child’s school? Does your son/daughter know about the service?
*If you attend college/university your institution will have a counselling service available through the student advice centre.
*There may be free counselling services available in your local area, speak with your GP who can guide you to the most appropriate service.
Research shows that when positive stories about men with mental health problems are advertised there is an increase in the number of men who reach out to help lines. If you are a parent, partner or friend to a male, talk to them about the story. Opening up conversations about mental health removes stigma and helps men talk about their own issues. If you are a male talk to your friends, family and co workers about your own mental health & theirs.
Dr Patricia Barber 