Suffolk Mind discusses new ways to look at men’s mental health

We held our first ever ‘How Do We…?’ event on Monday November 18, to open up the conversation surrounding men and their mental health.

More than 80 guests attended the event, sponsored by Becketts Investment, at Ipswich Town Football Club and helped raise £1,200 to fund Suffolk Mind’s vital services.

Our Head of Education Ezra Hewing said: “People rightly point out that suicide rates are higher among men – although it isn’t as simple as men not asking for help.  

“As many as 90% of middle-aged men who die by suicide have been in contact with frontline services in the three months before taking their life. These include mental health services, but also substance misuse services, probation, police and prison services.

“So if we know that there has been an opportunity to help the majority of men who die by suicide, we have to ask if we are asking the right questions, or if we can learn to spot the warning signs before a life is lost.

“Monday’s event was a great way to connect with men and women from different walks of life across Suffolk and hear more from our guest speakers about how mental health can affect us.”  

Ashley, from online support group Blue Sole Shoes, spoke about his experiences with depression and panic attacks and the importance of meeting your 12 emotional and physical needs.

He also shared the benefits of daily journalling and running to improve his mental health.

The 12 emotional and physical needs were discussed further in the premiere of Suffolk Mind’s new short film, ‘How Do We…?’, which follows the lives of four men facing mental health challenges.

Ezra added: “Every person has the same 12 emotional and physical needs we need to meet to stay on the wellbeing side of the Mental Health Continuum.

“These needs include things like Sleep, Control, Emotional Connection and Meaning and Purpose.

“Taking the time to address each of these needs and consider the reasons why we may not be meeting them can be the spark which starts an upturn in wellbeing.

“We encourage anyone to consider: when life was hardest, which of your needs were unmet? How are you meeting your needs in the present? And when you imagine a healthy future, how do you see yourself meeting those needs?”

Ian White, Beckett Investment, said: “Beckett Investment were proud to support Suffolk Mind’s ‘How Do We…?’ event.

“Given the statistics around men’s mental health and male suicide, we know that bringing people together is a key to making a change in our community.”