As a nation we are famed for our ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitudes, priding our stiff upper lips over our abilities to share our feelings.
However, a new study is really quite sad and rather worrying to say the least. This study has found how British men are refusing to open up about their personal problems, due to the fear of being judged.
Nearly half of British men feel too embarrassed to speak up. Other men look for answers on the internet, either because they are unsure of where to turn for face-to-face advice, or because they don’t put enough trust in people.
The extent of this is truly shocking, with 44 per cent of British men having considered ending a relationship, rather than seek professional help, if they experienced a sexual problem such as erectile dysfunction.
Medical director at direct-to-consumer men’s wellbeing platform Manual, Dr. Earim Chaudry, said:
These findings are consistent with my experiences in the surgery as a GP. A large proportion of patients are women and when men do come in they usually find it hard to open up and have an honest conversation.
They find it far easier opening up online than they do face to face. It’s important to put them at ease and reassure them that no-one is judging – online or offline.
When it comes to common but taboo topics like erectile dysfunction it’s imperative we destigmatise the conversation so men feel compelled to seek help.
CEO and co-founder of Manual, George Pallis, said:
So many men find it extremely difficult to open up to both friends and professionals about personal issues and it’s worrying the lengths men will go to before they face up to a problem.
It’s a shame that men still feel pressured to hold in their feeling in comparison to women, men need a safe space to go with their problems and seek solutions, empowering them to take action and deal with a problem more.
At Manual we want to encourage men to talk openly, challenging the outdated notions of masculinity where ‘being a man’ meant sweeping problems under the carpet.
Don’t suffer in silence. If you are experiencing personal issues, there is always somebody out there ready to offer help and support.
If you’re experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They’re open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58, and they also have a webchat service if you’re not comfortable talking on the phone.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.