Halton’s men’s mental health campaign, ‘Calm Your Mind,’ is launching two new videos this week to mark Movember, focusing on men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health globally, focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

In Halton, the Calm Your Mind campaign aligns with Movember’s approach by looking at mental health through a male lens. It encourages men to think differently about their mental health and what practical steps they can take to stay well, especially when life gets tough.

Ged and Del Share Their Stories

Ged’s Story

After a period of illness and bereavement, Ged found himself drinking more to cope, which led to alcohol dependency. Men often turn to practical activities to manage distress, so drinking more can seem normal when dealing with tough situations. However, this can make things worse in the long run. In his video, Ged emphasizes the importance of opening up and asking for help if alcohol becomes a problem.

“The best thing you can do is put your hands up and say, ‘I need help, I need some support.’”

Watch Ged’s video here:

Del’s Story

Del was unexpectedly made redundant this year from a job he loved. After the initial shock, he started worrying about the future and the financial uncertainty of providing for his family and keeping a roof over their heads. His story highlights how men can feel immense pressure when life throws curveballs and why prioritizing mental health can help you get back on track.

“I felt I should have been out looking for a job not out running, In the first week or so I didn’t do any exercise but after I told myself off, come on we need to get back to normal here. I felt way more productive. ”

Watch Del’s video here:

Improving Men’s mental health is crucial because it affects every aspect of their lives, from work to relationships. Encouraging men to adopt healthier coping mechanisms can help to prevent serious problems like depression, anxiety, and even suicide. This not only improves their quality of life but also strengthens connections with families and friends. Taking care of your mental health means you are better equipped to handles life challenges and enjoy the good times

For more stories and details of local and national sources of help and information visit the website www.calmyourmind.co.uk