A PICKERING man is providing mental health awareness by creating a group dedicated to men.

Simon Weston, 30, from Pickering, is encouraging other men to speak about their mental health concerns after suffering with depression himself.

Men Defeating Mind Monsters is a private group with more than 150 members from Ryedale, York, Scarborough, Whitby and Harrogate.

“I created Men Defeating Mind Monsters because I suffered with depressed myself and I nearly lost my wife to it,” said Simon.

“The hardest thing for men is opening up about their feelings; it’s sometimes comforting knowing there is a safe space.

“There aren’t many groups for men to just chat and get things off their chest, so I thought I would set one up. It has been very popular with the men on the group and we keep getting more and more members.

“The group has different members from people suffering with depression, PTSD and multiple personality disorder to people struggling with a cancer diagnosis.

“I’ve had wives messaging me about their husbands opening up about their mental health - it’s a great feeling knowing the group is making a difference.”

In England, about one in eight men have a mental health problem. However, men may be reluctant to seek support for their mental health or disclose mental health problems to loved ones.

According to the suicide-prevention charity, Samaritans, 42 per cent of men felt that the coronavirus restrictions have had a negative impact on their mental health, with loneliness and/or isolation, anxiety, financial worries and separation from loved ones among their concerns.

Samaritans also revealed that 40 per cent of men noted that talking to others had helped with concerns or worries during lockdown.

“I must stress the group is private and it welcomes anyone from any background - you don’t have to be suffering with mental health to join either,” added Simon.

“Britain is suffering a major mental health crisis, especially since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March.

“Society perpetuates the idea of keeping a stiff upper lip, acting like a proper man and not admitting to your own faults.

“It’s okay to tell someone how you’re feeling and Men Defeating Mind Monsters is a safe place to do that.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/364244834938474