'Men In Mind' - Men’s Mental Health

You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable. If pressure is building, you feel unlike yourself or everyday life is becoming harder to manage, support is available. Different types of support work for different people. So you can choose an option that feels manageable for you.

You may want some extra support if you are experiencing:

• ongoing stress, low mood, worry, anger or feeling numb
• changes in sleep, appetite, energy or motivation
• withdrawing from people or activities that usually matter to you
• using alcohol or drugs more often to get through difficult days
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide

There are different ways to access support, depending on what feels right for you.

Explore local mental health and wellbeing services

If you are worried about a man in your life, remember you do not need to be an expert to make a difference. A calm, non-judgemental conversation can help someone take the first step towards support.

To start the conversation, you can:

• choose a private moment and ask a simple, direct question such as “How are things really?”
• listen without judgement and give them time. You do not need to solve everything straight away.
• take what they say seriously, even if they play it down or find it hard to explain.
• ask directly and calmy if you are concerned about suicide or self-harm. Asking does not put the idea into someone’s head.
• help them identify a next step, such as contacting a trusted person, local service, GP or urgent support.
• keep in touch afterwards. Support often matters beyond one conversation.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Our mental wellbeing is shaped by what is happening around us, as well as the things we do day to day. Pressures involving work, money, housing, relationships, health or caring can leave less time and energy for ourselves.

Looking after your mental wellbeing does not have to mean big changes. Small, realistic steps and supportive connections, done regularly, can help reduce stress, build resilience and make difficult periods more manageable.

• move your body regularly — physical activity can lift your mood, reduce stress and improve sleep. Start small and build up gradually.
• do something you enjoy — you’re more likely to stick with activities that feel manageable, enjoyable or useful.
• stay connected — keeping in touch with friends, family, colleagues or community groups can help reduce loneliness and provide support when life feels difficult.
• make it part of your routine — set reminders, plan ahead or link positive habits to things you already do.
• look after the basics — regular meals, enough sleep, drinking less alcohol and getting outdoors can all support your mental wellbeing.
• reduce the pressure — break tasks into smaller steps, take short breaks, and ask for help before things build up.
• talk to someone early — a quick conversation with someone you trust can be a good first step if you’re not feeling yourself.

Listening Benches across Buckinghamshire provide a place to pause, reflect and connect with local support. Find out more and locate your nearest bench.

If you work with men in Buckinghamshire, you can help make conversations about mental health feel normal, practical and non-judgemental. Create opportunities to talk, recognise the pressures affecting people’s lives, and make routes into support clear and easy to use.

In your role, you can:

• use everyday, non-clinical language and ask what is happening in someone’s life
• recognise signs someone may be struggling, such as withdrawal, irritability, risk-taking, increased alcohol or drug use, or changes in sleep and motivation
• listen without judgement and avoid trying to fix everything immediately
• ask calmly and directly how they are coping; if you are worried, it is okay to ask whether they are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• encourage early support, including mental health and wellbeing services or practical help with debt, housing, employment or relationships
• know where to signpost for urgent or crisis support, and follow up where appropriate so the person does not have to navigate support alone

Training can help you feel more prepared to notice when someone may need support, start a compassionate conversation and connect them with the right help. These free online resources can be completed at your own pace:

Increase your knowledge and confidence in supporting mental wellbeing through a range of fully funded training opportunities for Buckinghamshire community, charity and public sector staff and volunteers. Courses include Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and other practical workshops to help you recognise when someone may be struggling, have supportive conversations, and signpost people to appropriate support.

View this course on the Buckinghamshire Mind website.

Learn how to recognise when someone may be struggling, start a conversation and offer support. The free 30min Zero Suicide Alliance course can help you develop the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation.

View this course on the ZSA website.

This free interactive tool that helps you practise having supportive conversations with people you care about. Through realistic scenarios, it builds confidence in how to start conversations about mental health, ask about suicide, respond with compassion, find the right support, and look after your own wellbeing.

View the CALM Conversation Coach website.