Prioritising Mental Health: Paul’s Story
“Getting help has made me stronger, more resilient, and a better person.”
Trigger warning: This article mentions themes around suicide and personal experiences with mental health
Mens Health Week – is a week organised by the Men’s Health Forum to raise awareness of men’s health and to encourage people who identify as men, to seek help to address any health concerns that they may be experiencing.
At BaseKit we believe that there is no health without good mental health, and we ensure that all of our team has access to mental health care if and when they need it. Our five commitments outline this and we always strive for positive wellbeing across the team.
Mental Health UK reports that:
- Only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men.
- 52% would be concerned about taking time off work.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK.
- 75% of deaths by suicide are males, and they are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
These statistics show that the conversation around mental health for people who identify as men, still has a long way to go, and without these conversations, it can have a detrimental effect on those who are struggling. Getting support is super important, no matter how daunting it may seem.
We have created a non judgemental safe space, where people feel free to discuss mental health issues, and be themselves here at BaseKit. Paul, one of our Operation Engineers, has been immensely brave in sharing his own personal experiences with his struggles with mental health, and how getting support helped him turn things around.
This is Paul’s story
“When I was growing up, the subject of men’s mental health was just never discussed. I assumed my role was to “shut up and get on with it”. I think that’s a pretty common view, but it’s not a helpful long term strategy.
A little over 15 years ago I was going through a really tough time. I was working in a high stress environment, my mum was terminally ill, I had a lot going on… I put up a brave front, but underneath I was isolated, lost, and terrified! I knew help was out there, but I didn’t know how to access it. What should I say? Will they take me seriously?
I lived like that for nearly 10 years, getting steadily worse. Eventually a colleague persuaded me to see my GP. I’d left it so late, and sunk so deep that even walking through the door felt impossible, but I did it, I saw my GP, and that conversation led to me getting the help I needed.
I’m glad to say I’m in a much better place now. Getting help has made me stronger, more resilient, and a better person.
You don’t have to “shut up and get on with it” if you’re not ok, you’re not on your own. Help is out there if you ask for it”
We want to make sure that the conversation around everyone’s mental health carries on, and with people such as Paul sharing their own personal experiences, we hope this encourages others to get the help when needed.
At BaseKit, we’re not mental health professionals, but we always strive to find the best help and support for everyone, so if you are struggling, take a look at some of the links below.
Mental Health UK – Men’s Mental Health
MindOut – LGBTQ+ Mental Health Service
Mental Health Foundation – Men and Mental Health