‘For Men To Talk’ founder attends Samaritans workshop on ‘Supporting those in Distress or Emotional Crisis’

In a world that often expects men to be stoic and unemotional, initiatives like ‘For Men To Talk’ are working diligently to break down the barriers that hinder open and honest communication among men. Recently, the founder of this men’s peer support company embarked on a journey to further enhance his skills in helping men navigate emotional distress and crisis by attending a workshop conducted by Samaritans on “Supporting those in distress or emotional crisis.” The workshop covered essential topics such as recognising signs of distress, engaging with someone in distress, learning to listen effectively, supporting those in crisis and discussing the sensitive issue of suicide.

Signs of Distress and Response:

Understanding the signs of distress is crucial in providing timely support to those in need. The Samaritans workshop stressed the importance of recognizing behavioural changes, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, restless, agitated, head in hands, crying, shaking and unexplained physical symptoms as potential indicators of distress. Responding to distress begins with empathy and compassion. Active listening, offering assistance, and asking open-ended questions can create a safe space for individuals to open up about their emotions.

Engaging with Someone in Distress:

One of the challenges in supporting those in emotional distress is initiating a conversation. The workshop emphasized the importance of approaching individuals in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational manner. Offering support rather than solutions is key. It is crucial to let the person express themselves at their own pace, ensuring they feel heard and understood, detailing their feelings and emotions.

Learning to Listen Tips:

Effective listening is a fundamental skill in providing emotional support. The workshop highlighted the significance of being fully present during conversations and practicing active listening. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and refraining from interrupting. Reflective listening and showing empathy, where you mirror the speaker’s feelings, can help validate their emotions and reassurance. It’s key to build rapport and trust.

Supporting Those in Crisis:

When someone is in crisis, their emotional well-being is fragile, and immediate action may be required. The Samaritans workshop encouraged attendees to prioritise the person’s safety by removing any potential hazards. Offering a non-judgmental and empathetic presence can be comforting. Encouraging professional help, such as contacting a mental health crisis helpline or a therapist, is essential when dealing with a severe crisis. It’s also to recognise that individuals may do the following:

• They may freeze – can’t do anything, can’t make decisions, block everything out
• They may flee – run away and find somewhere to hide
• They may fight – find someone to blame, feel angry, lash out

Talking About Suicide:

Discussing suicide is one of the most challenging aspects of providing support. The workshop underscored the importance of taking any mention of suicide seriously. It’s crucial to ask direct questions about their thoughts and intentions without judgment.

It’s key to remember that people talking about ending their lives is drawing attention to a major problem or stress in their life. An attempt of suicide can also be a cry for help. It’s important to state that suicide is preventable, it is not inevitable, there are other options.

If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, it is essential to connect them with professional help immediately. Samaritans provides valuable resources for this purpose.

SHUSH – Active Listening Tips:

Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems. Samaritans have compiled some listening tips to help you give the best support you can.

• Show you care – To really listen to someone, you need to give them your full attention, maintain eye contact and focus on them.
• Have patience – Listening well is about creating trust with the other person. They shouldn’t feel rushed, or they won’t feel it’s a safe environment.
• Use open questions – Avoid questions that close down the conversation. For example, instead of ‘are you OK?’, try ‘how are you feeling today?’ and follow up with ‘tell me more…’.
• Say it back – Repeating something back to someone is a really good way to let them know you’re listening
• Have courage – Try not to be put off by a negative response and remember, you don’t have to fill every silence.

You might feel uncomfortable asking someone how they feel, but you’ll soon realise if someone feels uncomfortable and isn’t ready to talk about it. Just let them know you’re there if they ever want to talk.

In conclusion, the ‘For Men To Talk’ founder’s participation in the Samaritans workshop on supporting those in distress or emotional crisis underscores the dedication to improving mental health support for men. By learning to recognise signs of distress, engaging with empathy, honing listening skills, offering support during crises, and addressing the sensitive topic of suicide, ‘For Men To Talk’ is better equipped to foster open conversations and provide a safe space for men to share their feelings and seek help when needed. This commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health issues is a positive step toward a more compassionate and understanding society.