A Call for Men to be Heroic about their Mental Health

Men are now almost three times more likely to see a therapist than in 2009, according to Mind’s ‘Get it off your chest’ study.  This is a move in the right direction although, according to numerous studies, men continue to struggle with mental health in silence.

Two in five men (43%) admit to regularly feeling worried or low, an increase from 37% in 2009.  And yet, for many men feeling low or worried isn’t deemed important enough to act on. When men do present at their GP surgery, they are more likely to talk about their physical symptoms rather than any emotional symptoms.

10 years ago, the National Mental Health Development Unit highlighted the fact that men face mental health difficulties that differ to those of women. As such, many men don’t display the traditional symptoms of depression (sleepless nights, crying, feeling low) they are more likely to show signs of irritability, anger, hostility, risk taking and escaping behaviours. When untreated, difficulties frequently get worse and are maintained by unhealthy coping mechanisms. Instead of talking about their problems, men watch TV, exercise, gamble, drink alcohol or take other substances and so it goes on. Short term solutions which put off dealing with underlying issues.

In England and Wales, three quarters of all deaths registered as suicide in 2019 were men (4,303); this has been consistent since the mid 1990’s.

In the year 2021, we now know that men and boys have specific mental health needs and there is an ongoing requirement to challenge the wrongly held belief that admitting mental distress makes men weak. 

It is time for men to cultivate a more heroic attitude when it comes to understanding their mental health.  Far from being weak, it takes courage to place yourself in the hands of another; the loss of control, the fear and shame around losing one’s sense of authority can be too much for many men.

But, being a man is much more than a stoic endurance of suffering, self-reliance and an unwillingness to ask for support and we need to develop a different muscle, one that enables us to talk about our concerns; to shift our focus from the black and white world of fixating on performance/failure, to the more technicolour world of pride in learning about ourselves and personal growth. 

When men receive the call to look at themselves, it comes in the form of symptoms and signs that need to be understood NOT acted out. It is an indication that they may need to explore unknown or undeveloped aspects of themselves and the traumas that come with being men.  For many the vulnerability involved in this can feel far more terrifying than going into battle, not least because of how alone we may feel.

Other than eliminating the fear of asking for support, and stepping forward, there are no rules or strategies for engaging with this battle. We are not supposed to know how to do it, we just have to trust the process, respond to the call and begin.         

Aaron Davis, Director at Catalyst and Psychotherapist

Policies Page

A 'Policies' page has been added to our website. This page will be updated and will contain our client policies, as well as leaflets, and confidentiality forms. These policies, forms, and leaflets will be for clients to download and view. We trust this will make the policies more accessible and transparent for all.

Introduction to Counselling Skills Course

Catalyst is excited to be offering a 6-week course entitled 'Introduction to Counselling Skills,' starting 7th June 2021. Contact us for more details or to register on 01502 516957, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Face covering policy

After much thought and discussion, as well as taking into account feedback from staff, counsellors, and clients; Catalyst has implemented a new policy regarding the wearing of face coverings.

Our new policy is that all staff, counsellors, and clients must wear a face covering in the building. As a client, if you are exempt from wearing a face covering, you may want to discuss this with your counsellor. 

Keeping government guidelines in mind, it is vital that everyone follows safety measures within the Catalyst building. This is to prevent the spread of Covid-19, as well as helping everyone feel safe.

Safety Measures

Here at Catalyst Counselling, we have been working behind the scenes in order to return gradually to seeing clients face to face. We have conducted a risk assessment, and we are Covid compliant. 

Return to counselling at the centre is an ongoing choice for both the client and the counsellor. If you feel comfortable coming into the centre, we are beginning to see clients there starting on 13th July 2020. 

We ask that if you have any symptoms that may be Covid-19 related that you do not come to the centre. These symptoms include a high temperature, a persistent cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell, diarrhoea or vomiting, and physical aches or a headache. 

When you come into the centre, we have some Covid Safety measures in place. If you are returning, you may notice some changes. For your own and everyone else's safety: 

• We ask that you arrive at your appointed time, and not earlier, as there will be no waiting facility in the building
• Please use the hand gel provided in the lobby before pressing the bell and entering the main building
• You will be let in remotely, so please do ring the bell
• We ask that you let yourself into and out of the counselling room, rather than the counsellor opening the door for you
• You may notice that chairs have been spaced further apart and chairs may have been changed
• We will, unfortunately, not be able to provide water, routinely, so we ask that you bring your own
• You will be asked to place any payment in an envelope which will be provided in the room
• Wearing a face mask will be optional, for both yourself and your counsellor, and can be discussed with your counsellor

PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

Now adopted by police forces across the UK and overseas, 'Project Griffin' was developed by the City of London Police and introduced in Central London over a decade ago in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Force. It advises and trains organisations on security and counter-terrorism.

Read more: PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

ATTACHING

How is it that some people seem to breeze through life effortlessly?

What secret do they have that enables them to ride pressures and demands?

Sometimes from the outside it seems that other people's lives are simple and easy. We know that this is far from reality, but it sometimes does not seem so.

Read more: Attaching