It’s Mental Health Awareness Week this week and I felt compelled to write about the topic of men’s mental health.
Some years ago, my grandfather took his own life following a long struggle with PTSD and depression which makes this mental health epidemic that bit more poignant to me.
Male suicide has been described as a “silent epidemic”. Despite the high incidence and level of contribution to men’s mortality, it is the lack of public awareness that makes this epidemic so silent.
It’s deeply saddening and concerning that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 today (source: ONS). This is a shocking statistic that surprises me. I would have thought that health issues like heart disease or Alzheimer’s would be more common.
Yet it’s no surprise that men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
Clearly society's expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. However, the good news is that (according to a report by Mind) findings show that there have been improvements in men feeling able to seek help for their mental health. This is a BIG step in the right direction. And I have noticed this in my own hypnotherapy practice.
For the first time since I qualified, all of my hypnotherapy clients this month are male.
They have come to me for help to alleviate issues including anxiety, depression caused by bereavement, PTSD, sleep problems and lack of motivation.
I’m extremely pleased that more men are taking the steps to get help for their mental health issues and I feel privileged that they have chosen to work with me.
I’d like to try to do my bit and encourage more people, both male and female, to access mental health support more easily and affordably. So, I want to make you aware of some of my mental health support offerings:
FREE relaxation audio: to help you let go of physical tensions in the body, as well as melt away unwanted stresses or worries in the mind. Click here.
Newsletter: receive practical tips for mental health management and special offers. Click here.
Hypnotherapy sessions May discount – half price off first hypnotherapy session for new clients during May. See prices here.
Free online chat before deciding to have hypnotherapy sessions with me.
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I am passionate about empowering people to lead happier, healthier lives and helping them find freedom from suffering to positively transform their lives.
My approach is compassionate, friendly, upbeat and professional. I recognise there is not a one-size-fits solution, so I tailor each treatment to the needs of every individual to create lasting change.
Please reach out to me if you’d like to know more.
ANYONE can have mental health issues. No matter how great they seem to be doing, how high-achieving they are, how “resilient” they seem. If anyone finds the courage to speak out, please, please, listen to them and respect that their truth is real. To those of you in the darkest of places, please do reach out. Your feelings are valid. Your truth is real. You deserve to be heard. Check in on your friends. Check in on your family. From the outside people seem ok but you never really know what’s going on. That text or phone call could make a big difference. If you are suffering yourself - reach out to someone.
#self-esteem
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