RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and while men still sometimes face the notion that asking for help is a sign of weakness, it’s an important reminder that help is always there.
At Raleigh-based HopeLine, trained counselors are ready to offer a listening ear to anyone facing a challenge in life.
“We’re going to support them, help them find solutions and remind them that they are loved and cared for,” Director Keri Christensen said.
They said the number of calls has remained steady, a sign that people are talking about mental health more and more are seeking help.
Both men and women have the same suicide rate, but when it comes to suicide rates, men are more likely to succeed in their suicide attempts.
“In fact, women are three times more likely to attempt suicide than men, but men are more likely to die by suicide and the methods they use tend to be more lethal,” Christensen said.
The centre also works to overcome prejudice against men and the mistaken belief that asking for help makes them a burden or weak.
“I think we recognise as a society that men who love tend to close themselves off a little bit, so the stigma around mental health is always going to be talked about and I think we should counter that, because it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you,” Christensen said.
If someone needs help, they will listen.
If you are in a crisis situation, please call the 988 hotline or contact your local helpline at 919-231-4525.
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