In England 1 in 8 men have a mental health problem. Yet men are least likely to speak to someone about these issues . Sadly, suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 50 .
As a Physiotherapist, I am not an expert on mental health, however we do work with lots of patients suffering with a mental health problem, so I wanted to share some of the training that we receive on firstly recognising the warning signs in both men and women, and how we can all help.
The warning signs:
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy level or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or on edge
- Increased worry or feeling stressed
- Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Aches, headaches, digestive problems without a clear cause
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviour
- Thoughts or behaviours that interfere with work, family or social life
- Unusual thinking or behaviours that concern other people
McManus S, Bebbington P, Jenkins R, Brugha T. (eds.) (2016) Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014. Leeds: NHS Digital. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748/apms-2014-full-rpt.pdf
Public Health England. (2017). Chapter 2: Major causes of death and how they have changed. Health Profile for England 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-profile-for-england/chapter-2-major-causes-of-death-and-how-they-have-changed#main-messages
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/index.shtml (2019)
How can we all help:
- If you recognise these signs in a friend or loved one, encourage them to talk. This may not be to you but there is lots of people who are here to listen:
- GPs
- CALM - https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- The Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/
- As a Physiotherapist, we are always trying to bridge the gap between mental and Physical health. Physical activity is great for improving your mental health. Read more here -https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-benefits-of-exercise/
Keep on moving
George
Director at Cirencester Physiotherapy centre
1: McManus S, Bebbington P, Jenkins R, Brugha T. (eds.) (2016) Mental health and wellbeing in England: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014. Leeds: NHS Digital. Available at: http://content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748/apms-2014-full-rpt.pdf
2: Public Health England. (2017). Chapter 2: Major causes of death and how they have changed. Health Profile for England 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-profile-for-england/chapter-2-major-causes-of-death-and-how-they-have-changed#main-messages
3: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/index.shtml (2019)