Men’s Mental Health Ireland: Starting a Conversation 

Every year, millions of men in the UK and Ireland struggle with their mental health. Certain life events, traumatic experiences, and a change in circumstances can all lead to difficult times, and there’s no shame in experiencing a mental health condition.

While many men try and maintain a stiff upper lip and ignore their suffering, doing so will only make things worse. Here, we look at why men in Ireland owe it to themselves to speak up about their mental health and introduce some simple actions you can take to practice self-care and improve the state of your mental health.

The current state of mental health in Ireland 

Statistics show that 18.5% of the population of Ireland has been recorded as having a mental health illness, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or alcohol/drug abuse. Financially, mental health is said to cost the Irish economy approximately €8.2 billion every year. But worse than the financial implications are those on the general health and wellbeing of the populace. Mental health can affect anyone at any time; it can ruin relationships, affect livelihoods, and may even lead to suicide if left untreated.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, up to 51% of Irish men said that their mental health had been negatively affected by restrictions and lockdowns. Ultimately, men’s mental health is a serious societal problem that we need to open up for discussion.

Can talking about mental health help? 

Mind, the leading mental health charity, suggests that opening up and having a conversation about the state of your mental health is an important first step to take in seeking the treatment that you need. There are lots of people you can potentially turn to, including your family, close friends, a counsellor, or a medical professional. There’s no doubt that talking about your mental health is difficult, but it’s a super important first step to take if you’re struggling with your thoughts and emotions.

If you’re struggling to come to terms with your mental health and don’t want to reach out to someone that you know, there are other options. There are now 21 Samaritans branches across Ireland, for example, enabling you to connect with a volunteer who will lend an empathetic ear without judgement. No matter how you do it, reaching out and talking about your mental health will undoubtedly help you take a step in the right direction.

What else can you do to improve your mental health? 

It’s vitally important to recognise that every person’s mental health is different, and there’s no panacea. In addition to reaching out to someone in your life and having a conversation, there are a few other things you can try to improve your mental health:

• Be active. Research shows that exercising regularly can improve symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Try and do at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day to get started.
• Get outside. Immersing yourself in nature and disconnecting from your devices can be a great way to escape some of the noise associated with modern life.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can make the state of your mental health worse. Reducing or even eliminating your alcohol consumption for a period of time can help to clear your mind.

Start a conversation about your mental health today 

Talking about your mental health is tough; there’s no getting away from it. But if you’re struggling with your thoughts and emotions, remember that you’re not alone. Those closest to you will be there for you and will thank you for opening up to them. So, whether you contact a medical professional, a national helpline, or your nearest and dearest, start a conversation about your mental health today and work towards a more positive future.

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Men's Health