Dickson Promotes Men’s Mental Health Week

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has highlighted the importance of Men’s Mental Health Week which began yesterday.

Mr Dickson said: “It’s well known that Northern Ireland has the highest rates of mental-ill health in the UK, with a 25% higher prevalence of mental health issues, compared to England.

“This means that at any one time here, 1 in 5 people will be experiencing a mental health issue.

“Whilst both men and women suffer from mental-ill health, men are less likely to avail of the support that is there, and are less likely to talk openly about their mental health struggles.

“There are a number of reasons for this, but one massive hurdle for us to overcome, is the continued stigma around men struggling with mental health thanks to archaic notions of masculinity, and reductive gender stereotypes”.

Mr Dickson went on to emphasise Northern Irish suicide statistics: “In men under 50, suicide is the leading cause of death in the UK.

“In Northern Ireland, the highest number of male deaths by suicide is in the 25 – 29 age group and 30 – 34 age group. And devastatingly, we are seeing more and more deaths in our under 18s”.

Suicide figures in under 18s in Northern Irish are disproportionately higher when compared to the rest of the UK.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “This week, we have an opportunity to challenge dangerous stigmas, and highlight what support is available to men that are struggling with their mental health”.

For access to support regarding men’s mental health, visit: https://media.samaritans.org/documents/Samaritans_Handbook_for_mens_wellbeing_services_2021_Ireland_FINAL.pdf