Changing MENtality

Changing MENtality

Conversations, stories and interviews on the topic of men’s mental health. Hosted by a group of male students, sharing their own experiences to help eliminate stigma, raise awareness, and signpost others to finding the help they need. Created in association with Student Minds and funded by Comic Relief. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Body Image
Sep 17 2021
Body Image
In this episode Kevin and Sam talk body image - their own experiences and the wider societal discourse around body image. They delve into physical attraction, your relationships with your own body, and how the media marginalises certain body types.Listen to 'What's Next? A Conversation on Graduation' here https://changingmentality.buzzsprout.com/1468954/6459964  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram here. Please share so others can find us! https://linktr.ee/changingmentalitypodcast%20  If you or a friend are looking for some extra support, here’s some places you can go:For support with eating disorders, visit Beat https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/  Or call their helpline: 0808 801 0811Student Minds: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/findsupport.htmlMind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/Nightline: https://www.nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/  Samaritans-phone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.orgHOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgStudents Against Depression- The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood. http://ww.studentsagainstdepression.org/
Evaluating emotions?
May 7 2021
Evaluating emotions?
In this episode, Aidan, Louis and Euan have a conversation about emotions they regularly come across and feel as men, the significance of these and how they can be addressed!Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below: Student Space - Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org - confidential listening service.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union. It's also worth looking out for university societies for international students. Papyrus - email pat@papyrus.uk.org. HOPELine UK - phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.NHS 111 - Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999 - for an emergency situation.
International Study, Culture Shocks and Mental Health
Apr 30 2021
International Study, Culture Shocks and Mental Health
In this episode, George S speaks to Krai about his experiences as an international student from Thailand. They talk about UK and Thai culture, student life in the UK, and the challenges international students face to their mental health. Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below: Student Space - Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org - confidential listening service.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union. It's also worth looking out for university societies for international students. Papyrus - email pat@papyrus.uk.org. HOPELine UK - phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.NHS 111 - Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999 - for an emergency situation.
Social Class and University
Apr 23 2021
Social Class and University
In this episode George S talks to Robert Brown about Robert's experience of coming from a working class, low income background and how it has affected his time at university.  Though the number of students attending university has increased in recent years, the disparity in representation between students from low income and high income remains the same. We talk about what effects that can have on students from those under-represented backgrounds.A few  books on relevant to this topic in the episode:Chavs: The Demonisation of the Working Class - by journalist Owen Joneshttps://uk.bookshop.org/books/chavs-the-demonization-of-the-working-class/9781839760921This book explores the way the working class in the UK has been systematically marginalised and the negative attitudes that have been fostered about them by politicians and the media. Limbo: Blue Collar Roots, White Collar Dreams - by journalist Alfred Lubranohttps://uk.bookshop.org/books/limbo-blue-collar-roots-white-collar-dreams/9780471714392This is a book about the emotional challenges and internal conflicts  people from working class backgrounds (in this case, in the US) face when attempting to get into middle class professionsNormal People - by novelist Sally Rooney https://uk.bookshop.org/books/normal-people/9780571334650 A novel about the troubled relationship between two school friends, one from a working class background and the other from a much wealthier background (also turned into a hit TV drama!)Though not mentioned here, George would highly recommend the novels of David Nicholls - a novelist from a working class background and writer of One Day, Us and (most notebe from a class perspective) Starter For Ten and Sweet Sorrow:https://uk.bookshop.org/books?keywords=David+nichollsAs well as Christopher Eccalston's autobiography I Love the Bones of You: My Father and the Making of Me:https://uk.bookshop.org/books/i-love-the-bones-of-you-my-father-and-the-making-of-me/9781471176340And Social Class in the 21st Century - by sociologist Mike Savage:https://uk.bookshop.org/books/social-class-in-the-21st-century/9780241004227 Though not mentioned in the episode, this explains the recent division of the UK into seven classes, the concepts of social, economic and cultural capital discussed here, and how there is an increasingly large disparity between the elite at the top and the procariat at the bottom of the social hierarchy.  If you would like support with your mental health, you can visit Students Against Depression:https://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/
Who Are Our Role Models?
Apr 9 2021
Who Are Our Role Models?
In this episode Aidan, Ben, Caleb & Kevin discuss everything about role models. Who inspires us, who our role models are, the effects that negative role models may have and the role that family members and friends play in our lives.Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.HOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Addiction & Dependency Resources can be found on the Mind website.Family Support Services for those with family struggling with alcohol dependency can be found on the Alcohol Change UK website.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Student Space - Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgNHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.
Lessons from my Dissertation: Masculinity in Film
Mar 26 2021
Lessons from my Dissertation: Masculinity in Film
In this episode, Sam speaks to fellow graduate, course mate and friend Mike about his dissertation. Together they tackle some big issues: essays, representation, masculinity and more. Mike reflects on writing his dissertation and what his research has taught him about the influence of politics and the media on our day to day mental health. We want to hear what you think of the show! Fill out this survey to be in with a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.   Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram here. Please share so others can find us! If you or a friend are looking for some extra support, here’s some places you can go:Student Space– Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website- Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service- can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counselling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans-phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.orgHOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgStudents Against Depression- The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.NHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.
Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ and Mental Health
Mar 19 2021
Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ and Mental Health
In this episode, Billy is joined by the Student Voice and Equality Lead at Student Minds, Dom Smithies to talk about some of the specific challenges that may face men within the LGBTQ+ community. They will be talking about the importance of recognising intersectionality, covering some topics that are of particularly relevance to LGBTQ+ males and exploring some of the research that’s being done for mental health and wellbeing. Fill out this survey to be in with a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher! https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7XLR52YLinks to some of the websites mentioned in the episode: http://www.queerfutures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RARE_Research_Report_PACE_2015.pdf - RARE report https://www.studentminds.org.uk/uploads/3/7/8/4/3784584/180730_lgbtq_report_final.pdf - LGBTQ+ student mental health report https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM6RbNQCem4&ab_channel=Pop%27n%27Olly  - Pop and Olly YouTube  https://www.justlikeus.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9GCBhDvARIsAFunhsnzYmYlUo9_Ahv890VBMOEK7TVLtXasALAxGVgR_5s-ern7MuLW3CEaApCDEALw_wcB - Just Like Us If you or a friend are looking for some extra support, here’s some places you can go:Switch board – LGBT+ helpline phone:0300 330 0630 or online at switchboard.lgbtStudent Space– Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website- Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service- can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counselling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans-phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.orgHOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgStudents Against Depression- The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.NHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.
Poetry, Creativity & Mental Health
Feb 26 2021
Poetry, Creativity & Mental Health
In this episode, Caleb is joined by "The Fragile Poet" Reece Ayres to talk about how poetry has helped them both with their mental health. They chat about what first got them interested in poetry, the experiences of performing and how events and open mics have helped them with self-confidence.If you're looking to attend some online poetry events, either to perform or just attend some places to find events can be found below.Eventbrite - On Eventbrite you'll find online events streaming from all over the world, and when life is back to normal it's a great place to find events near you.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Student Space - Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counselling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.orgPapyrus - email pat@papyrus.uk.orgNHS 111 - Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999 - for an emergency situation.To hear more of ‘The Fragile Poet’ Reece Ayres follow him on social media here.
Drug Addiction and Bereavement
Jan 29 2021
Drug Addiction and Bereavement
In this episode, George talks to James about James' experience with drug addiction and bereavement. If you or anyone you know is looking for support with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you can find the range of support services (some of which are mentioned in the episode) here:The charity Mind has a range of links available at:https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/addiction-and-dependency/addiction-and-dependency-resources/We Are With You offers a confidential listening service for anyone struggling with drug or alcohol problems:https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk There are a range of educational resources on physician Gabor Mate's website:https://drgabormate.com/topic/addiction/ And his book - mentioned in the episode - can be found here:https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781785042201?gC=5a105e8b&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3smABhCjARIsAKtrg6Kd_NRTVfU9gUaum6R3tTDFR7fp3cGrv7s_s4VBPPDYqjbgPrL6JM0aAvJOEALw_wcBTalk to Frank offer honest information and advice about drugs:https://www.talktofrank.comFor those struggling with bereavement, you can get in contact with the Cruse National Helpline:https://www.cruse.org.uk/how-can-cruse-support-me For support with grief specific to children and young adults, you can visit:https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/James' music can be found on Spotify at James Hook Music:https://open.spotify.com/artist/3K8xQXrWiIbKwtMxxvxsJf?si=_UK8ndhsQGyLunPdXzkq8w&fbclid=IwAR0MTukAkdoY3R3YZBWErjQOt1pXaJTLLL1-4F8cV74GI_frA6Xw2hWfoEw
Depression at University: Escaping a World Gone Grey
Dec 17 2020
Depression at University: Escaping a World Gone Grey
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Josh Hartley to talk about his experiences with depression at college and university. They also discussed Josh's new book, The Boy Between: A Mother and Son's Journey From a World Gone Grey, which he co-authored with his mother and best-selling author, Amanda Prowse.Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, depression & alcoholism.Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.HOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Addiction & Dependency Resources can be found on the Mind website.Family Support Services for those with family struggling with alcohol dependency can be found on the Alcohol Change UK website.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Student Space - Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgNHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.A Boy Between: A Mother and Son's Journey From a World Gone Grey is available as a paperback, audiobook and on Kindle. The book can be found here.
Talking or Taking Meds?
Dec 14 2020
Talking or Taking Meds?
In this episode Aidan, Euan and Ben discuss the different approaches to mental health care, the science behind them, the current state of the field, their own personal experiences and how we can move forwardFind other episodes and our social media links over on: https://changingmentality.buzzsprout.comhttps://linktr.ee/changingmentalitypodcastIf you were distressed by any of the content in this episode or feel you need extra support, please find  some further resources below:Student Space–Online, one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website- Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service- can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans-phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.orgHOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgStudents Against Depression- The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.NHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.
Sport and Inclusivity: the Rainbow Rexes
Dec 4 2020
Sport and Inclusivity: the Rainbow Rexes
In this episode, myself (Danny) has a chat with Matt Nadin from Rainbow Rexes Lacrosse who are the worlds first LGBTQ+ inclusive lacrosse club. We talk about the sport, the work that the Rexes are doing, and tips on improving our mental health.Follow the Rexes on Instagram at @rainbowrexlax (show 'em some love).The charities discussed in this episode: Centrepoint- Centrepoint provides housing and support for young people regionally in London, Manchester, Yorkshire and the North East and through partnerships all over the UK, they aim to give homeless young people a future and we want to end youth homelessness.ATK- Supports young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates lgbtq+ identities.Stonewall Housing- Stonewall Housing works to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people live in safer homes, free from fear, and where we can celebrate our identity and support each other to achieve our full potential.For more information and support:Student Space– Online, 'one-stop shop’ for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.GP Service- can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services- e.g. counselling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students’ union.Samaritans- phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.orgSHOUT- 24/7 Crisis support via text- text 85258.999- for an emergency situation.NHS 111- Non-emergency line run by the NHS.