November is Men’s Health Awareness Month – and people in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to seek advice and support whenever it is needed.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Men’s Health Awareness Month is a national campaign that focuses on raising awareness and to encourage us to talk about some of the key aspects of men’s wellbeing.
“Men, for whatever reason, are generally less likely to talk about their health – and in particular their mental health – and we want to change that, and in particular highlight the issues of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.”
In the UK, about 52,300 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year, rising steeply from around age 45 to 49 and peaking in the 75 to 79 age group. Symptoms include needing to pee more frequently, often during the night, difficulty in starting to pee, straining or taking a long time while peeing, or blood in urine or semen. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms is advised to contact their GP.
About 2,400 men in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and, while rare, it is the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 49. Symptoms include a lump or swelling in your testicle, your testicle getting bigger, an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum, or your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard. Again, anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms is advised to contact their GP.
As well as their physical health, men are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing – not just when they are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed, but at all times. Top tips for good mental health include:
Connecting with others like family, friends and those whose company we enjoy can give our wellbeing a boost
Being active like getting out for a walk or a run can help us unwind
Taking notice of the small things, being grateful and mindful
Giving our time to others who may be lonely or alone, or volunteering for a community project
Learning something new keeps our mind active
In the UK 4 in 5 suicides are in men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death for men under 35. It is important to remember that support is available for anyone in distress or those worried about someone they care about:
The Rethink mental health support line is available to residents of all ages who are experiencing mental distress and require urgent support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 008 6516.
For urgent advice you can contact NHS 111 and select Option 2 for mental health.
If you need someone to talk to, call Samaritans on 116123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, email jo@samaritans.org.
Wolverhampton Talking Therapies – for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and stress – can be contacted on 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856 or via bchft.wolverhamptontalkingtherapies@nhs.net.
Anyone having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be is urged to contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice. Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. For more information, please visit PAPYRUS