27/02/2026
Good afternoon everyone.
I have been wanting to touch on this subject for a while and produce something around this theme. A long hated term I hear quite often… “man up” 🙄😮💨.
Generational Stigma- “man up”.
When did Men’s mental Health in North-East England become a serious issue and why?
Well there are various factors up for debate….
Is it generational, a society issue or down to our regional environment?
The North East was and always has been built on heavy industry such as; Mining, ship building, manufacturing and physical labour. Typically male dominated environments. In which discussing “your feeling’s” wasn’t a favourable or acceptable option.
We have generations of men who were never taught the language to describe their mental health, their feeling’s, but instead on how to “graft”!
Their priority… was putting their family first and contributing to putting food on the table and to leave their hardship at the door, joke it off and go to the local working men’s club.
The typical stereotype we still see today!
The consequence of this has arguably caused a generational issue, that has been passed down as a taught behaviour, and leaves no room for discussion. A culture that favours emotional silence that is disguised as resilience.
In present time, we now have modern pressures on top of this attitude; debt, insecure work, isolation, social media, and relationship strain etc.
In addition, we have regional statistics that we can’t ignore! Men in North East England face some of the highest overlapping risks in the UK across:
• Su***de
• Alcohol-related death
• Gambling harm
WE NEED TO BREAK THIS STIGMA!!!
It’s okay to not be okay.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
• GP or NHS 111
• Samaritans - 116 123 (UK & ROI)
• In an emergency, call 999
