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Keep talking about mental health

#KeepTalking

Conversations around mental health are happening more and more in workplaces, among friends and in the doctor’s office. But some of us may be finding it harder to open up than others. The engineering profession is heavily male-dominated which means that it may face slightly different challenges when it comes to mental health. But support is available, and it’s closer than you may think.

Asking for help is a challenge

Traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to talk about their mental health problems. Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. There’s nothing wrong with these qualities but they can make it harder for men to reach out for help.

Research shows that men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about what’s really bothering them. All of this can add up to increased ill mental health but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Why Keep Talking?

One in three people are coping with mental illness at any given time. This could include your family members, your ‘strong’ friend or a colleague so you’re never alone, even if it feels like that sometimes.

We’re dedicated to improving our community’s wellbeing and you can be a part of that effort. Click here to get involved.

How do I start (and keep) talking about mental health?

Talk to someone you trust

We’re all human and we all go through rough patches in life. This means leaning on each other for support every now and then. It could be your partner, a friend or that colleague who always has the best stories. 

Get in touch with your GP

If you think you may be developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to someone qualified and getting help and support can make a big difference.

Talk to us

If things are getting difficult and you could use someone to help you figure out what to do next, that’s exactly what our team is here for. We work with Anxiety UK and can fund counselling if that’s what you’d like to do.

Your donations allow us to support engineers and their families. Every gift makes a difference.

Find out how we supported Michael when he began to struggle with his mental health and needed urgent treatment to get his life back on track.

michaels mental health story