Putting the Men In Mental Health

Could your partner be suffering in silence? Health bosses in Leeds are launching a campaign urging women to look out for tell tale signs of mental health issues in men. Leeds Partnerships NHS Trust who are behind it says getting men to spill the beans on how they feel isn't easy.

"Masculinity, pride, peer pressure and social norms can all lend themselves culturally to an environment in which men, more so than women, can feel isolated, alone and unable to express concerns over their mental wellbeing. Phrases such as ‘man up’, ‘real men don’t cry’ and ‘big girls blouse’ have become societal norms which should be challenged." "1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, occupation, race, just like any other health issue, however stigma and misunderstanding can be barriers to seeking help. "It is a common preconception that men tend to put off getting any kind of help because they think they are supposed to be tough, self-reliant, and able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health problems, let alone a mental health problem." Figures show: • 72% of people treated for depression are women, yet 75% of people who take their own lives are men • Suicide is the single most common cause of death in men under 35 • Men are more likely than women to have an alcohol or drug problem • Almost three quarters of people dependent on cannabis and 69% of those dependent on other illegal drugs are male

Men with mental health conditions are: • at greater risk of homelessness (87% of rough sleepers) • more involved with the criminal justice system (95% of the prison population are men) There's more information here www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/membership/ManUp