We Need to Talk
Awareness alone is not enough.
We are all aware of famine but that doesn’t mean we discuss it at the dinner table.
The same can be said for mental health issues.

Raising awareness is important but it is only the tip of a very large iceberg. We need to feel comfortable discussing our mental health with one another.
It could even be argued that we sometimes hide behind awareness. It is, after all, easier to say ”they aren’t aware” than it is to say ”they aren’t comfortable discussing it”
Every week you’ll read about the launch of a new charity or initiative aimed at tackling mental health matters. There will often be adverts signposting support after popular tv shows ”tackle” an issue. This is a good thing and the people involved in these projects are amazing. However, are we still missing something on a more granular human level?
The truth of the matter
A 2017 report published by the Samaritans revealed that in 2015 there were 6,639 suicides in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Seventy-five per cent of those who committed suicide were men.
Men, in theory, have access to all the same help and services that women do. So what is the difference and why are the numbers so high in males? One reason that immediately springs to mind is a lack of personal support structures.
Men, in general, tend to have a smaller number of close friends than women do. They also feel less comfortable discussing personal matters with those friends. This may be in part due to toxic masculinity- the perception of strength and the misconception of what that is. The highlight difference though -Men don’t talk.
The key is conversations.
A conversation doesn’t always have to be on a national level or part of a larger scheme. It just needs to be genuine and between people who care for each other.
Sadly all too often those that have lost a loved one to suicide did attempt to have a conversation. They tried everything within their power to reach out to the person but were not given the chance to help.
So if things are to improve we need a shift in culture. Where we are all willing to discuss our own mental health as well as that of others.
It took me years to open up to friends about my mental health issues. In fact, there are still friends I have never discussed it with. That is not their fault. It’s me that feels uncomfortable. The people I have opened up to have all either shared in my struggle or been very supportive.
Too often we underestimate people. An open ear is a small act of kindness that can have a dramatic effect. Trust that if you speak, the people in your life will listen.
Talking is the first positive step in the long road to recovery.
—
Thanks for reading if you enjoyed this article feel free to give me a follow and/or claps. I’m always happy to hear your views.
Cheers
Ian
