Men's Mental Health

Why specifically mens mental health?

Men are reluctant to seek support for their mental health. There is a lot of media coverage about men requiring help with all sorts of social and personal issues but unfortunately finding out where to go to get this help is sadly lacking - Listening 2 U is now addressing this problem on a national scale.

What is it?

Men's metal health is a massive title and can cover (but not limited to) the following:-

Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Domestic Abuse/ Violence
Sleep issues
Suicide and Self Harm
Eating and body image
Work related issues
Partner problems
Financial

Some sad and startling facts:

For every 3 victims of domestic abuse, 1 will be male.
Of those aged 16 -74 who told crime survey for England and Wales that they had experienced some form of domestic abuse since they were 16, a third were male.
Men are less likely to be victims of domestic violence but they are sadly even less likely to talk about it.
It can be both mental and physical, including psychological, sexual, financial and emotional.
Domestic abuse comes in many different forms and can include controlling and coercive behaviour through intimidation, isolation and threats of violence.
Some cases can escalate to becoming physical with sexual abuse and physical or sexual violence as common as emotional torment.
Domestic violence can be both mental and physical with some of the signs more difficult to spot. 4.3% of men had experienced domestic abuse in 2016/2017 – an estimated 713,000 men compared to 1.2 million women.
In 2017 there were 5,821 suicides that were recorded in Great Britain, of these 75% were males. Suicide represents the largest cause of death for men under 50 years of age.
Sadly, male victims are over three times more likely as women to keep their abuse a secret or refuse to tell the police or medical professionals.

In England, around 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem. While many of the same difficulties are experienced by both men and women, some difficulties and influences on mental health may be especially relevant for men.

Men are also:

Less likely to disclose their mental health to family or friends.
More likely to find harmful coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol to try to numb the pain.

Research shows that men will seek and access help. If the help meets their needs and is easily accessible, meaningful and engaging they will use it.

In the UK a man takes his own life every 2 hours.
Every minute across the world a man takes his own life.
1 in every 6 men who attempt suicide try again within the first year.

Misconceptions:

I'm a man, I should be able to deal with it.
Real men don't cry
Women don't beat blokes!

Why do I..............

Feel like I'm the odd one out?
Feel as though I can't deal with it?
Feel like I am weak?
Feel as though "is it really happening or is it me"?
Feel defeated and lost, I should be able to cope

Why contact us?

We want you to talk to us, in return we want to support you with the choices you make.

It is felt that if we told anyone what was happening to us, how we were feeling or being treated we would not be believed. It is important to speak out, to let it out and tell someone in a safe and neutral environment what is going on and how you are feeling. There is no reason not to believe what you are saying. We are here to listen to you and not to judge anyone.

Why or how will it help?

Support from us will help you to be able to express and discharge your thoughts and feelings whilst feeling safe in the environment. It should bring you clarity, increase self-awareness and confidence. Throughout the support process you should be able to develop coping mechanisms that will equip you and help you through the vulnerable times.