1 in 3 men turn to alcohol to ease depression – the 10 warning signs your man’s at risk
ONE in three men turn to alcohol to ease depression, according to a new report. Figures reveal that nearly two thirds of guys have experienced mental health problems in the last five years. The State of Man 2019 report, by men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, has been launched to coincide with Men’s Health Week […]
ONE in three men turn to alcohol to ease depression, according to a new report.
Figures reveal that nearly two thirds of guys have experienced mental health problems in the last five years.
The State of Man 2019 report, by men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, has been launched to coincide with Men’s Health Week this week.
It aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, including suicide – the biggest killer of men under the age of 35.
Major life events, like a death in the family, divorce and redundancy can leave people feeling vulnerable and trigger mental health issues.
But we can all do our bit to help prevent deaths from suicide.
That’s why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign, to remind those in the grips of mental illness that there is hope and to encourage people to watch out for the warning signs a loved one could be in trouble.
Combating stress
The new survey revealed that when it comes to combating stress, most men find physical activity a great relief while more than half found solace in watching TV and playing video games.
Worryingly, 33 per cent said they hit the bottle as a release, while a quarter comfort eat as a way of coping with stress.
Yet 71 per cent of the 1,386 respondents admitted to failing to reduce their stress levels at all.
The report found that those aged between 15 and 25 were at the most risk, with more than 70 per cent saying they felt more stressed today than in 2014.
The most common reasons for stress included work, money and health, while other noticeable causes included relationships, physical appearance and even politics.
Despite some shocking stats, the figures proved great progress is being made with regards to breaking down barriers preventing men from opening up about their worries.
A staggering three-quarters of men said they were aware of mental health support services, and 59 per cent agreed they now feel comfortable enough to talk about their mental health and stress with friends and family.
Don’t suffer in silence
Ex-Royal Marine Commando David Hildrew, managing director of The Bluebeards Revenge, said: “As an ex-serviceman, I take men’s mental health very seriously.
“Depression and stress are illnesses that many men – especially military – suffer with in silence, so it’s refreshing to see guys feeling more comfortable when it comes to opening up about their feelings.”
In an attempt to encourage more men to open up, The Bluebeards Revenge has been working with men’s mental health charity The Lions Barber Collective for the past three years.
As an ex-serviceman, I take men’s mental health very seriously
David Hildrew
The charity is focused on turning barbershops into safe havens for men, using the opportunity of a regular haircut to start conversations about their mental health in a non-clinical, non-judgemental environment.
Mr Hildrew said: “The Lions Barber Collective is the perfect way to break down the barriers that men tend to build for themselves.
“It’s a privilege to be working alongside them; educating barbers around the world and encouraging even more men to open up.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Barber Ken Hermes, an ambassador for The Lions Barber Collective, last month opened up to The Sun Online about losing his dad to suicide.
He said: “Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and stress can play a big part in this.
“For as long as a negative stigma is attached to the idea of men talking about their feelings, it will be very easy for stress to turn in to something much more sinister.
“That being said, it’s fantastic to see that UK men are taking a progressive attitude towards their mental health.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and stress can play a big part in this
Ken Hermes
“The fact that 75 per cent are now aware of the mental health services and support that exists for them is inspiring.
“We still have more work to do to get men to use all of these services, but the awareness is a huge step forwards.
“It also proves that anything we can do as a collective to encourage more men to share their woes has value beyond belief.”
The key signs your loved one is at risk of suicide
There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide. But it’s vital to know that they won’t always be obvious.
While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna Fraser of the Samaritans told The Sun Online.
These are the key signs to watch out for:
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
- Appearing more tearful
- Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example ‘Oh, no one loves me’, or ‘I’m a waste of space’
- Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don’t matter
What should you do if you think someone is at risk?
Asking someone if they are OK can feel daunting, especially if you suspect they aren’t.
The easiest thing to do is to look the other way and hope someone else asks instead.
But, stepping up and asking the question could make all the difference. It shows you care, that you’re there to help and reminds them they are not alone.
“It’s really important for us to be aware of the warning signs that so we aren’t blindsided by suicide risk,” Lorna said.
“It’s vital we look out for each other, that people are more comfortable talking about these things and starting those conversations.
“Very often people are quite reluctant to do that, they might think that someone they know might be going through a difficult time and they are worried about them but often they may feel they don’t really know what to say.
“They might be worried about opening up that conversation, are they opening up a can of worms, are they going to make the person feel worse?
“So people are often apprehensive to dive in and speak to them about it.
“But actually we encourage that because you won’t make that person feel worse.”
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As the saying goes: A problem shared is a problem halved.
It might sound silly, especially when talking about something as devastating as suicide, but it really will help you if you are feeling down.
“It can be incredibly powerful to share your problems with somebody else, whether that is someone you know, a family member or friend or whether that’s talking to someone on a helpline or whether it’s going to see your GP and organising professional help,” Lorna said.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans (free) on 116 123