R.A.I.S.E. men up

A new campaign from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) aims to give a better understanding of male depression and highlight the benefits of therapy

To address ever-growing concerns around men's mental health, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has launched an innovative campaign called R.A.I.S.E. as part of Men's Health Awareness Month.

R.A.I.S.E. is designed to help men, and their loved ones, recognise often subtle signs of depression. It also aims to promote the benefits of seeking professional support from a therapist.

Rise in depression in men

Recent data from a BACP survey of over 3,000 therapists has revealed that 52% of practitioners witnessed a surge in men seeking help for depression over the past year. Yet, the survey also highlighted a concerning statistic: 56% of therapists agreed that men are less likely to seek mental health support than women. A reluctance to seek help may be down to stigma and old-fashioned bravado among those of us who don't want to admit to needing support when it comes to mental health issues.