Summer 2024 marks the launch of a new campaign for Sisters Of Support, a Newton Aycliffe-based peer support group for women struggling with mental health. Amidst all 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,” says group founder, Amy Turner. “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,” she explains, “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 okay?’ the chances are they will tell you yes.”
According to a study conducted by MQmentalhealth.org, one in seven UK adults say their mental health is currently either bad or the worst it has ever been. More women than men are currently struggling with poor mental health (18.5% of women vs 12.5% of men).
“Sisters of Support want to end that stereotype for the last time,” said Amy. “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 okay and so are being left behind a little.
“We are here for women and we are delighted to have launched the weARElistening campaign.
“Sometimes just getting things off your chest is a powerful therapy, but feeling heard and understood is vitally 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 and ask them are they really okay. Give them the space and comfort to open up to you and let us get as many women in County Durham as possible to say #weARElistening.”
To find out more, including contact information, visit Sisters Of Support on Facebook.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
