Men with mental health issues are not alone - MP

Men suffering with their mental health "do not need to be alone" on what has been claimed to be the most depressing day of the year, an MP said.

Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, spoke in support of Blue Soul Shoes, an online men's mental health group, and added "help is out there" for those in need.

The third Monday in January is popularised as "Blue Monday", when a combination of debt from the holiday season, cold weather and unfulfilled New Year's resolutions can lead to low spirits.

Ashley Riley, a mental health campaigner based in Northamptonshire, founded the support group after he experienced living with depression and anxiety following a panic attack.

Mr Ashley said: "It is more important than ever that men in the public eye, men like Lee Barron, speak up and share the importance of men not ignoring one of the most important parts of their health."

The term "Blue Monday" may have originated as part of a marketing campaign in 2005, but its scientific base has been disputed.

Research by the Priory Group, which provides mental health services to the NHS, found 77% of men have experienced symptoms such as anxiety, stress or depression, but 40% have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.

Barron said: "I know from the people I speak to that challenging mental health is one of the biggest pressures middle-aged men are experiencing.

"Meeting Ashley, hearing of his experience and the work of Blue Soul Shoes shows there is so much more to be done and on today of all days, it is something we must be more open to talk about.

"There is no shame and there is no judgement. If you broke your leg you wouldn't decide to just get on with it."

Last year the government announced plans to publish a men's health strategy to tackle "some of the biggest issues affecting men of all ages".

Mr Ashley said: "It has been an encouraging start from the government in [its] approach and investment in mental health services. But this needs to be just the start."

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