The Highlight by LOOKFANTASTIC Nov/Dec 2022

* Source: Mental Health Foundation, 2021. LF LOCKER ROOM A s the days get darker, mental health dominates the wellness conversation. But with only 36% * of NHS psychological therapy referrals being from men, many males are suffering in silence. Over two years on from the loss of his brother, online fitness and mind coach James Middleton (@james.middleton_) shares why it’s important for men to speak up. “Growing up, I was fortunate that I never had any major [mental health] issues,” recalls James. “The turning point was when I lost my younger brother, two years ago. That flipped my world upside down.” According to Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind: “It’s important to seek help if you’ve had changes to your feelings, thoughts or behaviours that are affecting everyday life.” Finding solace in fitness, James turned to training in a bid to preserve his mental health: “One of the first things I did was resort back to my training because it’s always been an anchor in my life,” he shares. “I went back to the gym literally four days after it happened because I knew it was going to keep me above water.”