More than muscle: why men’s mental health deserves our voice and attention
As the chosen charity for this year’s Siam Cup, proudly sponsored by Gallagher, we are delighted that Mind Jersey has the opportunity to spotlight an issue that affects so many but is still too often left unspoken - men’s mental health.
With the most anticipated inter-island rugby fixture of the year as the backdrop, it’s the perfect opportunity to open up a conversation we all need to be having. Rugby is about strength, resilience, and community, and mental health is a huge part of that.
Mind Jersey will be present on the day, and the team will be more than happy to chat, listen, and provide support to anyone who wants to talk.
Why Men’s Mental Health Is a Conversation We Must Keep Having
Dr Patricia Tumelty, Executive Director, Mind Jersey
At Mind Jersey, we see the challenges men face every day. While more are seeking help now than in previous years, our challenge is to ensure those who need help most are able to make that call and ask for help.
Men aged 45 to 49 continue to be a group that find it hardest to ask for help when in a crisis or when anxiety or worry takes over. Some possible explanations may be linked to ideas of masculinity, stoicism, emotional silence and “manning up”. But this area is complex and stigma for some remains difficult to overcome.
Encouragingly, men are now just as likely as women to visit their GP when feeling low. They’re also more likely to turn to counselling. Various campaigns locally and globally have helped shift these conversations, and we are starting to see a difference.
Some men fear being prescribed medication, being judged by others, or simply don’t know where to begin looking for help. Men and women continue to use unhealthy coping mechanisms, like alcohol and drugs.
Social pressures are part of the picture too. A recent report found 37% of men say social media negatively affects their mental health, and appearance-related worries have increased. Add to this economic insecurity, the impact of the pandemic, and men from marginalised communities facing added layers of inequality, and it becomes clear we need a more inclusive, accessible support system.
At Mind Jersey, our Speak Your Mind initiative helps us learn from people who use our services. A key message is that a one-size-fits-all solution won’t do. As a result of speaking with men who use our services, we have increased our offer of physical activities, mental health peer support, ensuring services reflect the cultural and social realities of the people they’re meant to help. Our new drop-in centre at Seale Street has more men visiting than women, and we believe this to be a big first step in the right direction.
Men are more likely to talk when they feel safe, heard, and not judged. The men who visit the drop-in centre tell us that this is why they return. Other support might be in a GP surgery, but just as often it’s in a rugby club, a workplace, or over a coffee with a friend. We need to keep creating spaces where these conversations are welcome.
Men’s mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a community one. The good news is we are making progress. But real change means going further; investing in early support, normalising vulnerability, and recognising that strength includes asking for help.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Because talking saves lives.
The full report can be read here: Get it off your chest: report on men's mental health | Mind - Mind
