Men unite! We’re going to the pub

And indeed, it is common knowledge that alcohol has a huge number of adverse health effects, and is seen by some as a drain on the national health services resources in treating the various medical conditions it can and does cause. And it cannot be understated how alcohol can seriously affect your mental health. For more details on this you can visit Drinkaware.

But a study undertaken in Scotland during 2013, focusing on men in their midlife paints a different picture of the male relationship to alcohol. Sharing a drink with acquaintances is indeed a well known way to boost relationships and foster friendships and that act, according to this study, opens up new avenues for discussion.

Those discussions without prompt turned to the subject of mental health, of which a number of men find to be a ‘taboo’ subject. And after all, talking is often the first step some of us take.

So what does this tell us? Firstly, I’d recommend taking a look at the full article, and doing your own research into drinking along with talking to your GP if it is an ongoing issue. The physical risks of uncontrollable drinking habits can be life threatening, let’s never forget that. But equally, drinking (in moderation!) can be a huge boost to your social health.

Maybe going out with a friend or two and partaking in a drink could lead to that masculine barrier being broken and a life changing conversation started.

Maybe you’ll encounter a close friend who’s been silently suffering the whole time.

As a recovering alcoholic I find my relationship with alcohol, the media representation of it and general health advice on offer to portray drinking as a terrible thing. But maybe it isn’t all bad? In a world where too many of us suffer in silence, perhaps we need a pint or two to loosen our inhibitions and strike up a conversation that could change and even potentially save a life.

I, by no means advocate excessive drinking to cure your problems – It never truly works and liver failures are not something I’d wish anyone else to suffer. And this study is isolated to a single demographic (one that’s often forgotten in mental health studies), in a single country over a relatively small number of focus groups, let’s not forget that. This is by no means a truly global scale of research.

But when all hope seems lost? Round up the guys and have a beer. You never know. The social health, and following mental health benefits could be worth it.

For more information check this news article – http://www.medicaldaily.com/socializing-pubs-boosts-mens-mental-health-drinking-friends-offers-safe-place-express-emotions – and always, always, be safe when drinking.