Summer 2024 marks the launch of a new campaign for Sisters Of Support, amidst all of the negativity in the media, uncertainty in the world and the worst cost of living crisis since the second world war, people’s mental health is at an all-time low.
Women are often seen as the care givers who have it all figured out. It is perceived that women talk to one another about the issues they face and therefore do not struggle as much, when in fact that could not be further from the truth. Women, more so than men, will mask their feelings and emotions, shoving everything deep down in the hope it will go away, over the years, women have learned that to survive in this world they must not fail, they must not show weakness and therefore when asked “Is everything OK?” the chances are she will tell you ‘yes’. According to a study conducted by MQmentalhealth.org – 1 in 7 UK adults say their mental health is currently either bad, or the worst it’s ever been. More women than men are currently struggling with poor mental health (18.5% of women v 12.5% of men).
Sisters Of Support want to end that stereotype once and for all. We hear so much now, in the media, about men’s mental health (which is amazing and about time) that there is this assumption that women are OK and are being left behind a little. We are here to tell you #WeARElistening, sometimes just getting things off your chest is a powerful therapy, feeling heard and understood is so important, it is good to talk yes, but unless you feel heard, you are not likely to make a healthy habit of speaking about things you struggle with.
Sisters Of Support would like to ask that you check on your female friends, ask them are they really OK? Give them the space and comfort to open up to you and let’s get as many women in County Durham as possible to say #WeARElistening.