Opening up to a new conversation

Even more to go to the level beyond friends and family by talking to a newspaper about your innermost thoughts and emotions.

All this week we have been speaking to people about male suicide and how important it is for men, in particular, to be honest about their feelings.

The courage of those who have spoken to us should not be underestimated.

It is hard enough for most people to look deep inside and come to terms with sometimes painful thoughts. To use that experience to help others is selfless and courageous.

By sharing their experiences our interviewees are helping to demystify taboo subjects such as mental health and suicide.

The articles are all part of Mind Guernsey’s Stop Male Suicide campaign, whose message is direct and simple.

It is not, however, easy.

It is far easier to clam up, put on a mask and pretend that everything is fine, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

The message from those who are part of the campaign is, however, that no matter how hard it seems, it is vital to keep communicating. By reaching out and talking to friends, family or even strangers the pressure can be released and the road to recovery opened up.

There has to be hope that through campaigns such as Stop Male Suicide and social groups such as Man Club and MUG’s Men’s Shed the tide can be turned and terrible statistics about the numbers of young and middle-aged men who take their own life can be improved.

Starting the conversation is the first step, giving men of all ages the confidence to talk freely.

That offers family, friends and support groups the chance to be there, listen and try to understand.

It also helps dispel the myth that people who talk about their emotions are somehow weak, as if it is a failure to be anything other than confident, happy and made only of stern, manly stuff.

Mental health issues do not discriminate in that way. Inner pain can torment us all.