Men encouraged to access free online mental health support on International Men's Day
Dave Muckell, director of men’s mental wellbeing group Lads & Dads.
NHS Wales’ digital mental health service is calling on more men to access self-help support as figures reveal they’re 2.5 times less likely than women to use its programmes.
Almost 7,000 men have used SilverCloud Wales – a suite of guided online programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – since the service piloted in 2018.
Over the same period, nearly 18,000 women have benefitted.
NHS Wales Online CBT project manager Fionnuala Clayton said that the figures – revealed to coincide with #Movember, men’s mental health awareness month – suggest that taboos around mental health could be making men reluctant to access support.
Said Fionnuala: “Men often feel under pressure to handle things alone, but taking care of mental health is a strength, not a weakness.
“Unfortunately, stigma is still a hurdle for many. SilverCloud Wales can help break down that barrier by providing free, confidential online support accessible on your phone or in the comfort of your own home, and with no waiting lists.”
Research by Time to Change Wales shows men are less likely than women to seek help from their GP for mental health problems.
Men are also less comfortable discussing their mental health with friends and family, and are less likely than women to know how to advise a friend who is struggling.
Dave Muckell, director at Porthcawl-based men’s mental wellbeing group Lads & Dads, commented: “There’s this stigma that men should just ‘man up’ and get over it, and unfortunately that stigma prevents men from asking for help
“But it’s OK to admit that you’re not OK. It’s OK to reach out and ask for support. We’ve all got an opportunity to thrive and enjoy our lives.”
Among men using SilverCloud Wales, which is managed by Powys Teaching Health Board, over half who signed up this year have sought support for depression, anxiety, or a combination of the two.
Programmes for help with managing stress, health anxiety and social anxiety have also been in demand in 2024.
Said Fionnuala: “We understand that reaching out can feel difficult, but prioritising your mental by accessing support through SilverCloud can be the first step in rising to life’s challenges.”
Learn more about SilverCloud at: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/adult-and-older-peoples-mental-health-services/silvercloud-online-mental-health-support/
To sign-up via self-referral, visit: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/