Men’s Mental Health Month

This November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and this year Bristol Mind has set up a campaign to #GetMenTalking. Statistically Men are less likely to reach out to ask for help – they make up only a 1/3 of NHS referrals for counselling despite accounting for 75% of all suicides. This year we have partnered with our corporate partners, TMW Unlimited, Baltimore Consulting and Home Leisure Direct who invited men in their organisations to discuss their own mental health. One of the key threads throughout is that talking helps. This month we really want to highlight the strength it takes to make that first step to speak out, but how it is so crucial for people to do so. Reach out, whether to a family member, a friend or a colleague. There are also some great organisations that are available to support, both in Bristol and nationally, the details of some are available here.

These testimonies also illustrate how discussions in male friendships, sporting activities and taking time out can also support maintaining good mental health.