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Men And Mental Health

In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

As with many mental health statistics, it’s hard to know if the figures really represent what is happening. They can only tell us about mental health problems that have been reported – many cases may go undiagnosed. This may be especially true when it comes to men’s mental health.

Why don’t men talk about mental health?

Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. We know that gender stereotypes about women – the idea they should behave or look a certain way, for example – can be damaging to them. But it’s important to understand that men can be damaged by stereotypes and expectations too.

Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up.

 

Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health. However, there is research to suggest that men will access help when they feel it meets their preferences, and is easily accessed, meaningful, and engaging.

There are other signs that might give us a better picture of the state of men’s mental health:

What can I do if I’m worried about my mental health?

If you’re concerned you’re developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to their GP and getting help and support can make a big difference to their lives

365 Group Care is establishing a network group of men, any age and from any background who are suffering from mental health and would like to meet in an informal group for support and assistance in moving forwards, to not feel alone, and for us if you request to put you in contact with the right services on offer.

 

We are strictly confidential and don’t share any records with any other health authority, this is a self-help group to attend and not be afraid of your feelings.

If you want some tips on staying well.

Making simple changes such as talking about your feelings, keeping active and eating well can help you feel better.

If you’re in distress and need immediate help or are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.

You can be however you don’t have to give your real name, this is a place to literally speak out your real thoughts without any judgements, to be heard but not afraid, to know there are others in a similar mindset, and to see mental health can affect all types of people regardless of their age, or status, health or wealth.

We meet in a group setting, very informal but quite possibly the best realistic input, the group is no larger than 8 people we meet for a couple of hours.

 

The setting is not in a professional building as you would expect this is the real nuts and bolts of men of all ages meeting to open up, guided by one of our experienced staff who if required can assist further in referring to specialist services.

We meet in a local boxing gym, as the director of MIH Healthcare Ltd has been involved in boxing for over 30 years and has met many a man who suffer but don’t speak out. This takes place when no one is using the gym but it’s a nice place to meet as it takes away the feeling of a man has to be a man, here a man can see that the toughest of individuals have suffered, are here to help and push forward.

 

We are on a huge campaign to get funding for this group and make it a healthy outlet and to also bring in nutritionists and the options to come and train just to keep fit and be active.

A word from the director

‘This group lies close to my heart, I enjoy selfless sacrifice however through my years I have travelled a journey that has taken my mind to the edge of darkness, I have experienced many therapies but at times left thinking ‘they don’t get it, they don’t understand’.

 

My reasoning behind those thoughts were for a variety of reason depending on the therapist.

 

I am not ashamed or embarrassed because it takes a real someone to step up, I could face any opponent in the sport of boxing its didn’t faze me, but mental health isn’t a fight of rounds with a minute’s rest in between.

The one place I found calming was the boxing gym, sometimes not even to train but just to be there, I know there are men with mental health issues and just don’t know where to turn and what we want to offer is a group of guys from all backgrounds to meet, talk, share and experience the good we all have to offer and take on the issue together.

If you are interested, please drop me an email and I will let you know once the group is up and running.

Its locations is South Bristol

Email: info@365groupcare.com