The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK. In their recent campaign they are highlighting how therapy can help men.
Their new campaign features the acronym R.A.I.S.E. to help people spot the symptoms of depression in men and to encourage men who may be struggling, to reach out for professional support.
Alongside the more commonly recognised symptoms like low mood, men and women’s depression symptoms may vary. This means that depression in men can often go unnoticed if people don’t know what signs to look for. Some of these symptoms are outlined in the R.A.I.S.E. acronym:
R – Risk-taking
A – Anger
I – Isolation
S – Substance abuse
E – Exhaustion
Ewan Irvine, BACP Trustee and therapist, said: “There’s a strength in reaching out for help. Taking that first step may not be easy, but counselling can be transformative. It’s a safe space built on trust, confidentiality and is without judgement and allows men that time centred on them to talk about their own issues and problems.”
Seeking therapy can help men navigate the complexities of their mental health and break the silence surrounding their mental health challenges. Talking to a therapist can help men understand and explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and provide them with the tools they need to live happier lives.
To help support and encourage men to seek qualified help, BACP therapists have contributed to an online booklet which addresses these male-specific depression symptoms, explores how they manifest and offers tips on how to manage them. The booklet provides not only a starting point to guide men towards steps they can take to improve their mental wellbeing but it’s also a useful tool for anyone worried about their loved ones, containing advice on how to raise the topic of therapy with them.
