Lockdown has negative impact on mental health of four in 10 men
A new study from a leading charity has revealed more than four in 10 men say lockdown restrictions have had a negative impact on their mental health.
Research for Samaritans Scotland found 42% of men experienced loneliness and isolation, while anxiety, financial worries and separation from loved ones were also among the concerns mentioned.
The same proportion said it had a negative impact on their mental health.
The charity released the findings as it launched its Real People, Real Stories campaign, which aims to reach men who are struggling to cope to prevent them reaching crisis point.
Despite some men saying they find it hard to talk to someone about the way they are feeling when they are struggling, 42% of those surveyed in Scotland said talking to others helped with concerns and worries they had during lockdown.
Samaritans Scotland executive director Rachel Cackett said: “These figures are another sign of the strain the coronavirus pandemic has placed on mental health and wellbeing, and a stark reminder of why we must work to make sure that anyone who is struggling feels able to ask for help and receive the right support at the right time.
“At Samaritans, we know that less well-off middle-aged men have remained the highest risk group for suicide in the UK for decades.
“The impact of the pandemic and the restrictions put in place to contain the virus risk exacerbating the sense of isolation and disconnection that many men face, making it harder to seek help.”
She added: “Now more than ever, we want people to know that we're here to listen and that you don't have to face tough times alone.”
The research found more than half of the men (54%) surveyed in Scotland said they are feeling worried or anxious as restrictions continue to ease and 55% are concerned about the future.
More than a third (37%) of those questioned said lockdown put a strain on relationships.
The Real People, Real Stories campaign features men sharing their stories of how they have overcome tough times to encourage others to seek help by calling Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visiting samaritans.org for online self-help tools and information.
Steven Fegan, 36, from Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, who became a Samaritans volunteer after calling the charity following an attempt to take his own life, urged people to ask for help if they are struggling.
The father-of-five, said: “I think for men in particular it can be difficult to say that we're finding things difficult - we see so many messages from early on to 'man-up' and not to show weakness.
“But I know from my own experience that sometimes the strongest, bravest thing you can do is to ask for help when you are struggling.
“For me, that experience of talking and really being listened to was a turning point - I really believe that call not only saved my life but was a first step towards building a life I want to live.”
The survey of 1,943 UK adults aged 18-59, including 183 in Scotland, was carried out by YouGov in early July.
Anyone looking for support can call Samaritans on 116 123.
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