“Suicide is a coward’s way out”.
That is such a common phrase used by those who believe being a strong man keeps you alive. They are right you need to be resilient and struggle on but what if you believe there is nothing else that can be done, and all is lost? Asking for help appears to be a sign of weakness but this can take more strength than just battling on. Is being a strong man the problem or the solution?
In the UK, men’s mental health is an issue of increasing concern. According to statistics from the UK Office for National Statistics, suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 20-49 in England and Wales, and men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women. This is especially true among men from disadvantaged backgrounds or those living in poorer areas, who are at an even greater risk of experiencing mental health problems.
Despite the horrendous picture there is something that can be done. For example, while men are more likely to seek help for physical health problems, they are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. This can be due to the stigma still associated with mental health, or because men do not believe they will be taken seriously. In addition, many men find it difficult to open up about their feelings and struggles, leading to a lack of access to the help and support they need.
To tackle this problem, more needs to be done to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to make it easier for men to access the help they need. This includes better education in schools and workplaces, more accessible mental health services, and ongoing public campaigns to promote awareness and understanding.
In the UK, there are a variety of organisations that offer training and qualifications for male counsellors, including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the UK Council for Psychotherapy, and the National Counselling Society. In addition, there are many other organisations offering specific training for male counsellors, such as the Men's Health Forum, which offers a range of courses and qualifications for male counsellors.
As a qualified male counsellor my hope is to help reduce male suicide in my local area. As a man I can understand the pressure that society puts upon us to be strong whatever life throws at us. It is time to "man up" in a healthier way and seek help to continue being the strong persona that people expect.
I can provide face to face sessions, webcam chats, text message and phone counselling. All meets are confidential and safeguarded by a code of ethics. Session’s cost £50 but those going through financial hardship can get reduced or even free appointments.
