A new organisation in Aberdeen is helping men talk about their mental wellbeing…
Men often find it more difficult to discuss their mental health than women do, yet around 77% of men will be faced with depression, stress or anxiety at some point in their lives. That’s why Men in Mind was formed, as facilitator Andy Joss explained, ‘Men still tend to wear masks to cover up what is really going on. Women do tend to speak more to their friends, family and work colleagues. They have no issue speaking about their kids, husbands, jobs and also the emotions surrounding that. Why is this any different for men? We are trying to break through this at Men in Mind.
‘Men are almost three times as likely to commit suicide as women and we know that half of all men who kill themselves don’t exhibit previous signs of mental illness. In fact, it was the suicide of a neighbour that provided part of the impetus for the founding of Men in Mind. He had no history of mental health problems. He just went missing one day, then was discovered the next, having taken his own life. He was just 31 and left a wife and a three-year-old daughter.
‘If an attendee tells us that what we’re doing makes a difference to their mental health, then we’ve reached our goal. We just want to help. We don’t believe people should have to wait to seek help for their mental health. As a peer-to-peer support group, we can’t solve all issues, we know that, but talking really can help people. So if people are willing to talk we are more than happy to listen.
‘Men in Mind is open to all men over the age of 18, from anywhere. There’s been a huge range so far. There’s no membership required, no joining process, you just turn up and you can come to one meeting or come every week, we’re here when we’re needed.
We’re fortunate to have the support of the Cove Rangers Community Foundation, who allow us to hold our meetings each Thursday evening at Balmoral Stadium. We start at 6.30pm sharp.
Just turn up, have a brew and a biscuit. There’s no pressure to talk about how you’re feeling, you can just listen to others until you feel comfortable and ready to open up. It’s a safe space, with no need to let us know you’re coming, or fill in any forms.
You can find out more at facebook.com/meninmind or you can email on meninmindaberdeen@gmail.com
