Local campaign urges men to speak up on stress

Speak up - Many men hide any signs of stress

A new health drive focusing on the emotional impact of money worries, bereavement or loss on men has been launched.

The ‘How Do You Feel?’ campaign seeks to highlight the emotional burden some men carry as a result of increasing pressures over finances, family or the loss of a loved one.

As part of the campaign, an engagement team will visit supermarkets, shopping centres and businesses to speak to men about the help available to them if they need advice or support.

Feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, frustration, shame, pressure, grief, loneliness and anonymity are common in men who often feel trapped within their mental state. 

As a consequence of the lack of men coming forward for help, advisors now train frontline staff at jobcentres and A&E wards to recognise warning signs in anyone showing symptoms of mental stress.

Rochdale Borough Council says it has launched the campaign to encourage men to speak up when they feel things are getting on top of them, before their feelings escalate and they struggle to cope.

Councillor Jean Hornby, Rochdale’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: "Many men are often reluctant to ask for help and advice. They feel that they have to be the one who copes. So even if they have lost their job or have money, family or any other worries, many feel they have to put on a brave face and keep quiet about it, which just makes their feelings of stress and depression worse.

"We have launched this campaign to encourage men to speak up when they feel things are getting on top of them, before their feelings escalate and they struggle to cope. If they don't feel they can talk openly to their loved ones, then they can contact their local branch of the Samaritans who are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Ian, a spokesman for Rochdale Samaritans, said: "Many people at the moment are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. We just want to let men who are struggling know that we can help you explore your options, understand problems better, or just show you that someone is always prepared to care.

"I t doesn’t matter who you are, how you feel, or what has happened. If you feel that things are getting to you, we urge you to get in touch."

For more information about the campaign, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/feelingdown or call the Samaritans on 01706 86 86 86.