Learn
Signs you need help
Changes in mood, body, habits and thinking that mean it is time to talk to someone.
Many men are taught to push through, stay quiet and handle things alone. But struggling is not weakness, and asking for help is not failure. If several of the signs below have been true for two weeks or more, that is a good reason to reach out.
What to look out for
You feel flat, empty or numb
Things you used to enjoy, like football, church, music or time with friends, no longer interest you.
You are tired all the time
You sleep too much or too little, wake in the night with your mind racing, or feel drained even after resting.
You are angrier or more irritable
Small things set you off. You snap at family or colleagues and regret it later. For many men, anger is how sadness shows up.
You pull away from people
You stop answering calls, avoid gatherings, or feel like a burden to the people around you.
You rely on alcohol or other substances
You drink or use more than you used to in order to relax, sleep or switch off your thoughts.
Your body is sending signals
Headaches, chest tightness, stomach problems or aches with no clear medical cause can be linked to stress and low mood.
You cannot focus or decide
Work feels harder, you forget things, and even simple choices feel heavy.
You feel hopeless or worthless
You think things will never get better, or that others would be better off without you.
Having one or two of these on a bad week is normal. It is the pattern, how long it lasts and how much it affects your daily life that matters.
What you can do today
- 1
Tell one person
A friend, brother, pastor, imam, elder or colleague you trust. You do not need the perfect words. "I have not been myself lately" is enough.
- 2
Speak to a professional
Your nearest hospital or clinic can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health nurse. You can also call the national helpline for free.
- 3
Protect the basics
Try to keep a regular sleep time, eat properly, move your body for twenty minutes, and cut back on alcohol.
- 4
Take the private self-check
It takes about three minutes. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
If you need help right now
If you are thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, please call the national helpline on 0800 678 678 (free) or 112 right now. If you can, tell someone near you so you are not alone.
How have I been feeling?
Private. Your answers stay on this device and are not saved or sent anywhere. This is not a diagnosis.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following?
0 of 10 answered
Talk to someone
National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline
0800 678 678Run by the Mental Health Authority. Toll-free.
Free to call
National Emergency Line
112Police, ambulance and fire. Use it if someone is in immediate danger.
Free to call
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