Between the 12th and 18th June, the world acknowledges Men’s Health Week 2023. Organised by the Men’s Health Forum, it aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionally affect men and encourage them to gain the courage to tackle their issues.
This year’s theme for Men’s Health Week is “Men’s Health and the Internet”, this emphasises the impact of technology and social media on mental health.
According to the Mental Health Foundation:
“Approximately 1-in-8 men have a common mental health problem such as anxiety, stress, or depression. When left unattended, these problems can worsen and be detrimental to those affected. This is highlighted in current statistics: for example, in the UK, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. Furthermore, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. These statistics underline the importance of removing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, helping men reach out, talk about their problems and seek treatment. According to recent statistics, 40% of men won’t talk about their mental health with their friends or family.”
It’s no secret that a stigma still exists regarding men’s mental health, with some men sadly still feeling uncomfortable talking about their problems, meaning many men suffer in silence. With every new awareness campaign, the topic is becoming more prevalent; but there is still a need to help men feel comfortable enough to speak out about their mental health.
It is not healthy to ignore your feelings, it’s easy to say “ah it’s just a bad day” and try to sweep your emotions under the carpet, but that emotional dust will continue to build up. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with mental illness:
Feeling angry or irritable and showing aggressiveness to your friends, family, colleagues and even strangers
Noticeable changes in your mood
Finding it difficult to sleep
Avoiding social events and seeing your friends
Feeling tired all the time and having little energy
Depending on alcohol or drugs
Ignoring personal hygiene
Men often feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their mental health, but the bravest thing you can do is tackle the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. You are not alone!
If you are really struggling with your mental health, contact your GP - we can help!