MEN are being urged to start talking about mental health.
November is Men’s Health Month in the UK and an opportunity for people to discuss health issues that affect men.
According to the Samaritans, men in the UK are three times more likely to commit suicide than women – making it the biggest killer of men under the age of 50.
Although there has been a fall in male suicide in recent years – with figures at their lowest in over 30 years – there is still a lot of work to be done say health chiefs.
Dr David Spraggett, GP and chair of NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Men often find it difficult to talk about how they’re feeling, but letting stress, anxieties, worries or feelings of low mood build up is destructive and often makes things worse.
“Men’s Health Month is a great opportunity to start a conversation around your mental health. Speaking to your GP or friends and family about how you’re feeling is a great place to start. By opening up the conversation around your mental health, you will feel more comfortable sharing your feelings and reaching out for help.”
Other things men can do to improve their mental wellbeing include exercising, eating well and relaxation techniques including yoga and meditation.
There are a number of options and services available in south Warwickshire including:
* Big White Wall – an anonymous online community, free to people living in Warwickshire, available 24/7 at www.bigwhitewall.com
* Safe Havens are an open access space for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed to drop in and talk to someone out of hours. Open from 6pm to 11pm in Leamington (Mon-Wed) and in Nuneaton (Thurs-Sun). Visit www.mhm.org.uk/warwickshire-safe-havens or call 07483 991763 for further details
* Mental Health Matters Helpline – a team of experienced and trained support workers, available 24/7 on 0800 61 61 71 (0300 330 5487 from mobiles);
Wellbeing Hubs – free face-to-face, one-to-one support, walk-in and drop-in sessions www.cwmind.org.uk/wbw or call 02477 712288
* The IAPT service for people feeling stressed, anxious, low in mood or depressed, providing advice, information and therapy. Call 02476 671090 to self-refer
