Far from experiencing peace and goodwill at Christmas, nearly half of men admit to feeling sad or depressed over the festive season, a study by the Samaritans has revealed.
An online survey carried out by the charity discovered 48 per cent of men say they are sad or depressed at Christmas time.
Of the 140 interviewed, around 45 per cent say they feel more worried over the festive season than at any time of year, 37 per cent admit to feeling lonely and 30 per cent are stressed and anxious.
For many men, their sadness is increased by the expectation that everyone should have a good time, with 45 per cent complaining they feel pressure from others to be happy when they are not.
Nigel, a volunteer in one of the Samaritan's 201 branches, says the charity is already starting to take calls from people feeling under pressure in the run up to Christmas.
"Christmas can be a poignant time, bringing issues people face all year round to the surface, and can leave those normally strong enough to cope, struggling to do so," he said.
"I listen to people telling me that they're alone, or that they've recently lost their partner, or that they're in huge amounts of debt.
"And it's even harder to deal with because it's Christmas and the expectation (is) that everyone is having a good time. It's so important that we're able to help these people through the festive season."
Men in the UK are three times more likely than women to take their own lives, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Men are also much less likely than women to feel positively about counselling or therapy, and are more likely to turn to it as a last resort.
Last year, Samaritans received around 244,000 calls during the Christmas period from people suffering distress in the UK and Ireland.
This year the charity is encouraging men feeling anxious or suicidal to speak to one of their volunteers over the festive period.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
- AAP
