Counsellors see increase in men with depression asking for help

More than half of therapists have reported seeing an increase in the number of men seeking help for depression in the last 12 months.

A survey from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy says 52% of practitioners have seen more men coming forward, despite them still being less likely than women to ask for help.

The BACP is trying to raise awareness of the symptoms of depression in men, as they can differ to those seen in women. They are set out using R.A.I.S.E:

• R - Risk-taking
• A - Anger
• I - Isolation
• S - Substance abuse
• E - Exhaustion

Spotting signs you need help with your mental health

Dan Reid lived with depression for 10 years, and eventually sought support after noticing he couldn't keep his emotions in check

Speaking to our Mental Health Monday Podcast ahead of International Men's Day, he said: "Even after the first session, I felt my shoulders drop, I felt lighter, I felt things weren't as hopeless as my brain was telling me.

"I'd not spoken about my emotions for the most part of my adult life and those things started to spill out into the really mundane stuff that we deal with everyday.

"I thought that was how it was supposed to be - that this was going to be my life forever and that's just how life is.

"That was a massive thing for me when I realised 'Oh, it doesn't have to be like this.'"

Opening up about mental health

Dan now runs the Men Walking and Talking organisation, that creates outdoor walking events for men to join, and use it as an opportunity to talk about their feelings in a safe environment.

You can listen to his story in full here, and also hear from therapist, and Sky Sports Presenter Rob Wotton, who is backing also the campaign.

He tells Mental Health Monday host Mick Coyle about some of the bad habits men have picked up when it comes to their mental health over the years:

Depression symptoms can go unrecognised

Commenting on the RAISE campaign, BACP therapist Anthony Davis said: “Depression in men gets often overlooked as men tend to live with their struggles silently.

"Their symptoms can also manifest in different ways than their loved ones would expect, meaning they can sometimes go unnoticed or unaddressed.

“From my work with men over the past year, I have experienced the number of men suffering from depression steadily increasing. We need to help men and their loved ones to understand and recognise potential symptoms.

“Men might feel societal pressure of traditional gender roles, but strength is not found in the absence of struggle, it is found in the determination to rise above it. If you are experiencing depression, seek help, speak your truth, and remember that your emotional vulnerability is a testament to your courage.”

Get support for depression or mental health issues

If you're looking for support for your mental health, or if it's for someone you know, you can

• Find local services using www.hubofhope.co.uk
• Speak to your GP
• Text SHOUT to 85258
• Call Samaritans on 116123
• In an emergency call 999

You can also find out more about the RAISE campaign on the BACP website

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