Over a quarter of men across the UK are hesitant to discuss their mental health with family or friends, fearing that their loved ones won’t be able to support them. One in five men also hide away from these key conversations, with a third (35 per cent) trying and failing to start a conversation for fear of not knowing how or when to approach the topic. The findings come from the latest research from VisitGuernsey* – the Channel Island that welcomes more than 150,000 visitors from the UK a year, famous for its natural spaces, slower way of living and well-being focussed lifestyle – who have identified that talking about mental health can be daunting, and for many, the fear of burdening family and friends remains a significant barrier to seeking help.
VisitGuernsey has launched an initiative aimed at encouraging men to talk about their mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Over a quarter of men fear that their family or friends won't know how to support them, leading to reluctance in starting conversations.
Research indicates that one in five men avoid discussions about mental health, and 35% struggle to initiate these conversations.