I want to talk about boys…. see my video here .
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek was last week and I wanted to shine a light on one aspect of it’s a difficult subject.
The biggest killer of men in their 40s is suicide. Around the world, men are more vulnerable to taking their own lives than women.
There are studies and research papers and all kinds of things you can find to read about why. But I’m here to make a plea.
Talk to someone. Please. Talk to someone.
You might be feeling that there’s no way out.
You might be feeling embarrassed if you have problems you don’t want friends and family to know about.
You might be feeling that the people you care about will be better off when you’re gone.
You’re wrong. They won’t be.
Some of these thoughts are symptoms of illness or a frame of mind where logic and your usual personality traits cannot be applied.
There are phone numbers you can call to speak in confidence to experts who will understand and help you. If you can talk to friends and/or family then that’s great too. But know that there are people you can speak to without having to deal with what they might say.
When you take your own life, you take the lives of the people around you. You might not feel that is true when you’re in the thick of it yourself, but it is true. Most people will never recover from the suicide of a loved one.
Please talk.
Hide yourself away somewhere quiet and phone the helpline. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do and it’s a Herculean effort.
You’re not alone. Someone is listening.
There is some information here if you’re worried about yourself or someone else. You may have cause for concern if you find these topics are occupying your thoughts or conversations.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to go on
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
What can we do?
If you’re worried about someone else please talk, listen and seek help. The above lines can give confidential advice if you’re worried about someone else as well.
Ultimately we need to change the culture around men talking about their feelings. Some guys are great at this but still more needs to be done. Choose to be someone who can listen without judgment or trying to fix things. Encourage people to get the right support. It’s not easy when you’re scared and angry and upset yourself, but we need to encourage more men to talk.
A wise person told me a long time ago that it’s takes a strong person to ask for help.
It’s not weak to speak.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
#BeautifulMonday #BeautifulMonday14
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