Men Should Talk: Breaking the Silence for Better Lives
Men Should Talk: Breaking the Silence for Better Lives
More than half the clients I see are men, I know, I bet you thought that the majority would be women, right? Wrong! Luckily, I have trained with Men Should Talk to appreciate the unique tools and techniques and have found useful, practical, and productive ways to work with men.
The myth of the strong, silent man has dominated societal expectations of masculinity. But this stoicism comes at a cost. Statistics show men are far less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide, particularly keenly felt in our local community. It’s time to break the silence and encourage open communication – Men Should Talk sessions are available in Castle, Northwich.
Boys are often discouraged from expressing emotions, with phrases like “boys don’t cry” reinforcing the idea that vulnerability is weakness. This creates a barrier to seeking help, as men may feel judged or emasculated by admitting they’re struggling.
The consequences of this silence are stark. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Often, men and boys resort to bottling up emotions until they reach a crisis point. This silence can also negatively impact relationships. Difficulty expressing feelings can lead to misunderstandings and distance between men and their partners, friends, and family.
It’s time to break the silence – Men Should Talk sessions are available with me in Castle, Northwich.
How can we encourage men to talk? Here are some key steps I take with Male clients:
- Normalise vulnerability: It’s time to redefine masculinity. Strength lies not in stoicism, but in the courage to be open and honest. Men talking about their struggles can inspire others to do the same.
- Start conversations early: Teach boys from a young age that expressing emotions is healthy. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and create a safe space for open communication. With A full DBS check and 25 years of experience of working with children and young people, I’m ideally placed to facilitate this type of work.
- Lead by example: Men can be powerful role models for younger generations. By openly discussing their own experiences and seeking help when needed, they can normalise mental health conversations.
- Create supportive spaces: Here, men can find understanding and encouragement from a therapist who will not judge, but actively listen.
Breaking the silence requires a shift in societal attitudes.
Ultimately, Men Should Talk is not just about mental health. It’s about fostering stronger relationships, building a more supportive society, and empowering men to live healthier, happier lives.
To book your sessions with Michelle please visit one of these links:
Online Appointments
Deansgate, Manchester
London Road, Alderley Edge
Waterloo Road, Northwich