Firstly this post is not aimed at just men so apologises, I would love any input from from women. I am not having a go in this just trying to comprehend a confusing thought pattern. the oxymoron that is my mind on depression, my own issues.
What annoyed me and triggered this is the BBC coverage of mental health after robin Williams sad passing, firstly in the uk suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 18-49, instead of seeing this as a chance to promote support for men the BBC focused an article on support for women who were suffering suicidal thoughts. Again not belittling this but we have a national crisis, three men a day take their lives a massive increase on how many women do, don't get me wrong every death is tragic. And I do realise it is as important, but did they do it because of the male macho culture we live in?
So you're probably thinking rich what is your point, well this is. Men why do we pretend we are okay myself included, why do we hide behind how we feel? Surely it's time to talk to each other even if it's a mate I'm doing pretty badly. I often wondered in life why I got along with women better, it is because I can be myself, no macho bs. No being "a lad".
I am a normal male not because I love football beer cricket banter action films and music, but I am a normal male BECAUSE I suffer from mental health problems, it will affect two thirds of us men from mild depression to one in six of us making a serious attempt on our lives.
And here's the oxymoron, shouldn't I practise what I preach? I don't I am scared one day I will but yeah you go first attitude overcomes me. I think it's time we put down the facade stop pretending we are okay mate, and start talking to each other start expressing how we feel.
This might just be me, but everyday I read a story In the papers with the quotes of "he was the life and soul of everything" it's not hiding who we are or acting differently, it is just saying when we are down we are that, reaching out.
Part of me even thinking writing this despite knowing the stats, despite my experiences in life that people will just ask what the hell I am on about and I am wrong, and I probably make no sense. Sorry again for this vent
What annoyed me and triggered this is the BBC coverage of mental health after robin Williams sad passing, firstly in the uk suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 18-49, instead of seeing this as a chance to promote support for men the BBC focused an article on support for women who were suffering suicidal thoughts. Again not belittling this but we have a national crisis, three men a day take their lives a massive increase on how many women do, don't get me wrong every death is tragic. And I do realise it is as important, but did they do it because of the male macho culture we live in?
So you're probably thinking rich what is your point, well this is. Men why do we pretend we are okay myself included, why do we hide behind how we feel? Surely it's time to talk to each other even if it's a mate I'm doing pretty badly. I often wondered in life why I got along with women better, it is because I can be myself, no macho bs. No being "a lad".
I am a normal male not because I love football beer cricket banter action films and music, but I am a normal male BECAUSE I suffer from mental health problems, it will affect two thirds of us men from mild depression to one in six of us making a serious attempt on our lives.
And here's the oxymoron, shouldn't I practise what I preach? I don't I am scared one day I will but yeah you go first attitude overcomes me. I think it's time we put down the facade stop pretending we are okay mate, and start talking to each other start expressing how we feel.
This might just be me, but everyday I read a story In the papers with the quotes of "he was the life and soul of everything" it's not hiding who we are or acting differently, it is just saying when we are down we are that, reaching out.
Part of me even thinking writing this despite knowing the stats, despite my experiences in life that people will just ask what the hell I am on about and I am wrong, and I probably make no sense. Sorry again for this vent