“The stereotypical pub scenario of an older man saying “grow some balls” to someone younger than themselves is becoming a thing of the past. Men are speaking more openly now and not being afraid of telling someone about their thoughts. Pride used to have a huge negative effect on my mental health. I’d seclude myself even though I knew talking about my thoughts was perhaps the best way to deal with my mental health. Sometimes I still find myself alone thinking silence will cure my negative thoughts.”

“Struggling with depression for the majority of my life, my main coping mechanisms used to be to self harm. Somehow dealing with physical pain seemed easier and distracted me from my emotional pain. As a teenager, I felt a lot of shame around this, and I didn’t want to admit it to myself let alone anyone else. This was until I became friends with someone else who had struggled with similar things. We could openly talk about our depression without the fear of being judged and this made me feel that it was not something to be ashamed of. For me, vocalizing how I felt with someone was enormously therapeutic, just having someone to listen and talk through things with stops me from going into a depressive spiral.

…

I think and hope that the “stiff upper lip” attitudes are slowly becoming outdated with each new generation. I can see this in my brother, if you came across him without knowing him you would think typical heterosexual lad– boyish and loud, but spend any quality time with him and you can see he’s not afraid to talk about his emotions and be vulnerable.”

“I think the workplace is where we need to really look at mental health. A lot of employers have an insincere concern with mental health. Companies would rather appear to be progressive than actually help their employees. Most people would rather lie to their boss and say they’re sick instead of admitting they need a ‘mental health day’.”

…

You could argue that self-diagnosis is a trend, with lots of musicians or corporations cashing in on mental health. But, I don’t think these are the main reasons for self-diagnosis. People avoid diagnosis from doctors due to the long waiting times for appointments and therapy treatments. Many people get palmed off with prescriptions for medication rather than therapy. A temporary solution for a long term problem, all of this is a consequence of NHS cuts and would explain the success of apps like headspace.”

“When I don’t feel like myself, the biggest thing that I feel gives me control over my mental wellbeing is not drinking alcohol for a week or two. I think drinking is a lot worse for our mental health than we realize, especially with its use amongst uni students, alcohol tends to be our social lubricant…”

“I accept and recognise that I won't feel great every day. I have learnt over the years to take mental notes of what works and what doesn't. If I binge on one too many g&t's, have a few too many big macs and sleep very little I know and have to accept I'm going to feel rubbish for a few days. I will probably have a certain level of anxiety and depression to follow. It's recognising these patterns and learning how I can change my relationships with the things which don't always benefit me. You don't always have to have that last drink.”