Men’s Mental Health resources

The last year or so hasn’t been easy on anyone. Rates of depression and anxiety have risen considerably, but it’s thought that men may struggle more with mental health because they may be uncomfortable talking about things like feelings.

We live in a society where the majority of men are told that it’s weak to cry or demonstrate their feelings. From a young age, they’re told they have to be stereotypically strong and protective, to suffer stoically and never admit weakness. The thing is, it’s killing them.

Figures suggest that around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Yet men are less likely to seek or receive professional help for such issues. 36% of NHS referrals for talking therapy are allocated to men. Many also lack the social support network, whether that’s friends, partners or family members that allow them to admit such problems. It’s the done thing to shrug and say you’re fine, even when you really aren’t. This is why three times as many men as women die by suicide. It’s why three quarters of adults who go missing are men and why they have much higher level levels of alcohol and drug dependency.

Some studies have suggested that men may be less likely to recognise when they are suffering from a mental health issue. Depression or anxiety are often dismissed as stress. Men are more likely to show some symptoms of depression than women. These include irritability, sudden anger and increased risk-taking and aggression. Men are more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope with their depression rather than talking about it. They may use escapist behaviour too, such as throwing themselves into their work.

Making simple changes can help you feel better. Arrange to catch up with a friend, or check that they are doing okay with a phone call or Zoom session. Walking has been shown to help beat depression. Try combining an evening walk with mindful practices or transport yourself to another world by listening to an audiobook as you stroll. Or you could try some online fitness classes or sign up for a team sport, get on your bike or head to the gym.

A change of scene can help. This can be a simple as going away for a weekend or taking a walk in the woods. Give yourself permission to do things you enjoy and set aside some me time, whether that’s a long bath or starting a veg plot.

Cut down on alcohol and eat more healthily. Living on takeaways and beer may make you feel better temporarily, but it’s not a good way to manage difficult feelings. It’s important to recognise you’re not superhuman. Don’t compare yourself to others, especially on social media. It’s okay to admit you sometimes feel anxious or overwhelmed, or that there are days where you really don’t want to crawl out from under the covers. Asking for help is the first step in recovery.

If you’re concerned you’re developing a mental health problem, talk to your GP. It can be daunting, but most people find that speaking to their GP and getting help and support can make a big difference to their lives. You can also talk to Mental Health Aberdeen, a local charity which has been providing counselling for over 70 years, or search online for local support groups.

Mental Health Aberdeen

mha.uk.net

Samaritans

0330 094 5717

Scottish Association for Mental Health

samh.org.uk

Brothers In Arms

brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk

The care home you’d choose for yourself

There comes a time when we realise our parents, or indeed ourselves, are no longer able to live fully independent lives, taking care of all their own needs.

Yet we often feel reluctant to explore the possibility of a care home, even when we know that it can offer the support and assistance required. We may even assume that moving into a care home means giving up cherished activities and our freedom to do as we choose.

At Rubislaw Park Care Home, however, nothing could be further from the truth. This five-star home is all about enabling those who live there to live their best lives, on their own terms. It’s a place of companionship, joy, laughter and fun. Manager Gayle Bain explained, ‘We’ve created a care home fit for the 21st century. The home itself is five-star in terms of facilities and the experience our staff have to offer, but we’ve specifically thought about the residents’ journey here and what they want to enjoy in life.

‘It’s a bit of a cliché, but many of our residents and their relatives were anxious about coming to a care home, thinking that it was simply a place to be until the inevitable happened. Joining our community at Rubislaw Park is the beginning of another chapter to enjoy.’

Rubislaw Park has an enviable West End location, just off Queen’s Road. Each of the 86 spacious en-suite bedrooms are individually decorated and there are lots of ways for guests to spend time with each other, including the fine dining restaurant, cinema room and lounges, relaxation and quiet rooms and a computer room. The vibrant bar has a weekly happy hour on a Friday afternoon complete with canapes and entertaining activities. There’s even a Mercedes on call ready to ferry residents into town for a little shopping, a meal, or to meet friends and relatives. It feels more like a holiday than a care home.

Gayle added, ‘Our activities team do a wonderful job, choosing events and activities offering variety and choice to suit our residents, making it a very vibrant care home. If they miss the independence of a trip to the cinema, we can put on an old movies afternoon. Or perhaps they want to meet their friends from their own ‘bubble’ in the home for a coffee or a glass of fizz at the bar. Our gintasting events are always popular and many of our residents like to spend time in the gardens. We often spot squirrels, foxes and deer as well as many species of bird.’

‘Our catering, housekeeping, caring and nursing staff are all fully committed to the quality of the care and service we provide to each of our residents. That’s why we’ve made it into the Carehome.co.uk Top 20 awards list every year for the past three years. Indeed, we were the only home in Aberdeen that was honoured in 2020. We strive to be the best care home for those that are looking for the ideal place to spend their retirement, but can no longer live by themselves. It’s a five-star setting for a new beginning. Many of our residents and their families feel it gives them a whole new interest and outlook on life.’

Rubislaw Park offers a care setting providing a continuum of care to include residential, nursing, specialist dementia and respite stays.

The best way to discover more about Rubislaw Park Care Home is after a no-obligation visit at the home or virtually. Find out more about the facilities on offer at

rubislawpark.com

OUTSTANDING COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY IN THE CITY

Alpha Clinic is the first Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic in the North of Scotland. The clinic opened just before lockdown and offers a wide range of procedures to improve the appearance, boost selfconfidence and improve the quality of life with minimal down time.

Alpha Clinic was founded by one of the country’s most highly qualified and skilled Plastic Surgeons. Mr Thanassi Athanassopoulos studied medicine at Oxford University and King’s College Hospital London qualifying with distinction prior to embarking on Plastic Surgery training in Scotland. He is an acknowledged expert in cosmetic facial and breast surgery and, in particular, complex secondary revision surgery.

He is also an NHS Consultant at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Aberdeen University Medical School specialising in reconstruction of complex skin cancers of the face, and surgery for facial weakness as well as breast reconstruction.

Mr Athanassopoulos attained the highest research degree Oxford University offers, Doctor of Medicine, after spending an additional three years at the Stem Cell Research Laboratory at the John Radcliffe Hospital studying regenerative therapies and stem cells. As a result of this research, he received the coveted research fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Young Scientist award of the British Blood Transfusion Society.

He is one of very few surgeons in Scotland to have specifically trained in cosmetic surgery to a higher level following the completion of plastic surgery training. He’s known for the quality of his work and his bespoke approach which ensures that, from the initial consultation through treatment and aftercare, the focus is always on the needs and aspirations of the patient. The clinic’s aim is to build lifelong relationships with our clients and improve their quality of life.

Alpha Clinic offers a wide range of both aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures at their discrete West End premises. The clinic’s mole screening and removal service offers histology results in just three days, bringing rapid peace of mind.

The clinic’s website offers indicative treatment pricing and is an excellent source of information, helping you make an informed decision before arranging an initial consultation. Pricing is competitive and includes high end pre- and posttreatment aftercare and follow up visits.

Alpha Clinic’s Facial treatments are focussed on achieving natural looking improvements that boost confidence and a youthful appearance. A brow lift can dramatically improve the appearance of the eyebrows and upper eyelids providing a more refreshed youthful and relaxed look. Eyelids can be lifted, taking years off, while sagging skin in the neck, jowls and hollowed cheeks can all be reduced with a facelift restoring a youthful, revitalised look. The experienced team also offers non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

Primary rhinoplasty is arguably the most delicate, precise plastic surgery procedure available. The small changes in smoothing contours provide facial balance, improving not only the nose, but the appearance of the entire face. Similarly, corrective ear surgery can alleviate a great deal of psychological distress.

Breasts can be enlarged, lifted or reduced and a combination of fat transfer, augmentation and lifting can be used to counter the effects of aging and gravity. Postoperative breast reconstruction is offered to help women who have experienced cancer. Inverted nipple surgery is also available.

Surgery procedures on the body include Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and Fat Transfer.

Reconstructive surgery includes the removal of benign skin lesions, scar revision and skin cancer reconstruction of the face.

The clinic also offers hair transplants and PRP treatments, which use platelet rich plasma therapy to accelerate healing. Scientific studies show PRP can help tissues heal more rapidly and help restore hair growth.

Booking a consultation could be your first step to looking your best.

10 Albyn Terrace, AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 232428

alphaclinic.co.uk