MONDAY, 14 JUNE, 2021

Immediate release:

Men urged to speak out about mental health

Men in Tayside are being encouraged to talk about their feelings and their mental health as part of Men’s Health Week 2021.

Men’s Health Week, which runs from 14-21 June, is hosted by the charity Men’s Health Forum and is focusing on the theme of Men, Mental Health and COVID-19.

To mark the week, Men’s Health Forum is asking people to join in the Can Do Challenge, which is based on five ways to wellbeing – things we can all do that can help us feel better.

§ Connect – connect with other people – have a chat with a friend or family member

§ (Be) Active – take part in regular physical activity such as walking or swimming

§ Notice – take notice of the environment around you and be aware of what is taking place in the present, maybe spend time in parks, forests or at the seaside

§ Discover – learn something new or learn a new skill

§ Offer (or give) – do something for someone else, such as volunteering

NHS Tayside Consultant in Public Health Dr Jane Bray said, “Raising awareness of men’s health and making it easier for men to talk about wellbeing is so important.  

“Many men don’t feel like they can talk about their mental health or how they might feel. Men are often expected to be strong and in control and this can sometimes make it harder for them to reach out for help and open up.

“But how we feel affects all aspects of life. People should know that there is support available and there are also simple things we can all do to improve wellbeing.  For example, we know that taking part in a sport or activity improves how we feel and provides a space to talk and connect with others.”

Wendy Halliday, Director of See Me, Scotland’s programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, said it’s important that men feel they can talk about their mental health.

She said, “We all have mental health, it won’t always be the same, it will change just like our physical health. Some of us will go through a tough period when we are struggling with our mental health and maybe even need to get professional help. Men in particular find it difficult to speak about this period.

“As a society, we don’t encourage men to open up about their feelings, and men worry it will be seen as a sign of weakness by others if they do. They can also judge themselves for having mental health problems and try to ignore what they’re experiencing, which can make problems worse.

“Men are also less likely to ask each other how they are feeling or chat about what they are going through. But no one should ever be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone that they are experiencing a difficult time with their mental health.

“If you think someone you know might be struggling, ask them if they are okay, ask them twice if you need to. Show you care, show you will listen and not judge. Tell them that it is a sign of strength to talk about how you’re feeling, and encourage them to get professional help if they need it.

“There are some key things you can do; listen, don’t try and fix it and don’t minimise what they’re experiencing, acknowledge that it must be difficult. Saying ‘that sounds tough’ is easy to do.”

Alex McClintock from Andy’s Man Club, a charity which operates in Dundee and Perth & Kinross to offer peer-to-peer support for men aged 18 and over, urged men to seek support for their mental health.

"We provide a safe and confidential space for men to talk about their issues. We have nearly 50 groups across the UK with seven in Scotland, and we are open every Monday (except bank holidays) 7pm to 9pm. 

“If you are struggling, please reach out as you are not alone and there are people out there willing to listen. For more information please email us at info@andysmanclub.co.uk.”

People can also visit NHS Tayside’s online self help mental health directory, which includes a list of mental health support and advice organisations, resources both in Tayside and nationally. The directory is available to view at www.livinglifewelltayside.scot.nhs.uk

If you need to speak to someone, you can contact:

• Samaritans: 116 123

• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87

• NHS 24: 111

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138