“When you open up you realise it’s not just you”

By timesecholife on in All News, Featured News

A community leader has encouraged businesses and social groups to help promote International Men’s Day in the future so more men can take that vital step of speaking out when under mental health stress. Cheadle Town Councillor Jamie Evans underlined the importance of doing so having been underwhelmed by the level of attention the occasion was given this year on November 19.

A community leader has encouraged businesses and social groups to help promote International Men’s Day in the future so more men can take that vital step of speaking out when under mental health stress.

Cheadle Town Councillor Jamie Evans underlined the importance of doing so having been underwhelmed by the level of attention the occasion was given this year on November 19.

He is urging the community to share mental health hotlines and information so the stigma of men’s mental health can be batted down even more.

Speaking to the Times & Echo about International Men’s Day, Jamie said: “It’s an important day where, if men know that it’s there, it might save a few lives by getting them to open up and talk a bit more because men struggle too.

“So that’s why I think by highlighting who is out there through International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day, it’s important people know.

“I think we need to acknowledge that both days are there.”

According to an International Men’s Day poster, 76 per cent of suicides are men, as is 85 per cent of homelessness.

It states that 70 per cent of homicide victims are men and 40 per cent of domestic abuse victims are men.

Jamie spoke of how he has suffered mental illness in the past but was able to work through it by simply opening up.

He explained: “When you open up you realise it’s not just you and I think that’s what people need to realise.

“There are thousands of men and women out there who are struggling.

“It’s hard because if you’re going down the pub with your mates it’s not likely that you will talk about your feelings if you’re a man.

“But the rates of suicide in men is so high so they need to know they are not alone and it’s important that they know they can speak up.

“If businesses, political parties and Facebook groups highlight that there are phone numbers to call, men who are suffering can know that they are not alone and can be helped.

“Someone who is feeling low might see it and it could save someone’s life.”

For more information on International Men’s Day visit www.internationalmensday.com.

If you are struggling with mental illness, you can reach out to Samaritans on 116 123, MIND on 03001 233393 and Rethink Mental Illness on 01215 227007.

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