Men's Mental Health | Geraldine Linley

I still feel the same disbelief when I heard the statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50yo.

I somehow thought that heart disease…cancer…stroke, surely…? But no! Male suicide rates in the UK are at their highest level since 1999, with men accounting for ~75% of all suicides.

That ‘fact’ appals me, as a counsellor; makes me really sad to think about the vast numbers of men who clearly don’t feel that talking about, voicing, their worries, concerns, problems…is for them.

When I think about it though; I’ve been ‘doing this’ for 18yrs now, and I’ve probably only recently been able to count on more than 2 hands how many male clients I’ve seen in that time.

I will never forget the client who said he was “glad I couldn’t see him” when we were forced to work on the telephone during Covid; he didn’t want to feel my eyes on him…didn’t want some of the ‘ugliest’ feelings that counselling can tap into being things he had to face: guilt, shame, blame. Worst of all, in a way, never wanting to feel like someone “pitied” him - or, God forbid, showed him compassion.

If my ‘numbers’ are anything to go by, more men are beginning to see counselling…psychotherapy…therapy…as a healthy way to maintain/improve their mental health; just like going for a jog, or going to the gym is  about (primarily) physical health. Therapy is the best way to ‘exercise’ that most complex of organs, the brain, in a confidential, non-judgemental space; where you will be met with empathy and respect.

I really feel that “society” does recognise men’s mental health more these days, with the introduction of #ANDYSMANCLUB; and equally, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - services that were originally set up to try to counter those shocking statistics relating to male suicide.

And now there are 3 of us talking therapists at Essential Therapies…get in touch; we’re ready to hear you.

Geraldine Linley

07846 624484

thesidmouthcounsellor@gmail.com