Category: Trowbridge Service Users Group

Men’s vs. Women’s Mental Health: Are the Differences Real or Reinforced? Body: When we divide mental health into gender-specific categories—“men’s mental health” and “women’s mental health”—we might think we're being helpful. After all, men and women do experience mental health differently in many ways. But are these differences rooted in biology, or are they shaped by culture, stigma, and expectations? And is this division always helpful? ✅ The Pros of Gender-Based Mental Health Approaches 1. Gendered Experiences Are Real Men and women often face different life pressures. Men are more likely to be told to "man up," while women may face the mental health effects of sexism, gender-based violence, and hormonal changes. 2. It Helps Tailor Support Campaigns like Movember highlight men’s mental health struggles, including the shockingly high male suicide rate. Meanwhile, women benefit from targeted care for postpartum depression, menopause-related anxiety, or trauma recovery. 3. It Challenges Harmful Norms Talking about gender differences allows us to question harmful ideas—like the myth that women are “too emotional” or that “real men don’t cry.” ❌ The Cons of Dividing Mental Health by Gender 1. It Reinforces the Gender Binary Not everyone identifies as male or female. Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people often fall outside the “men’s vs. women’s” model and face unique, under-researched challenges. 2. It Misses Intersectionality A Black woman, a gay man, or a working-class trans person may experience mental illness in ways that can’t be captured by gender alone. Race, class, sexuality, and location all play crucial roles. 3. It Can Lead to Stereotyping Saying “women are more anxious” or “men don’t talk about feelings” flattens the complexity of how mental health actually shows up. 4. It Risks Misdiagnosis Men may express depression as anger or substance abuse and be overlooked. Women may be diagnosed quickly but prescribed medication over therapy. ⚖️ Are There Actual Gender Differences? Statistically, yes: Men are: 3x more likely to die by suicide. Less likely to seek mental health support. More prone to substance use and risk-taking behaviours. Women are: More likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. More vulnerable to trauma from abuse. More likely to access services—but often not given choices beyond medication. But these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Many of these differences are socially constructed, not biologically inevitable. They reflect how society teaches people to express—or suppress—their emotions. 🧠 What We Need Instead Support that’s gender-aware, but not gender-limited Services that are inclusive of trans and non-binary people An intersectional approach that sees the whole person, not just their gender Final Thought: Let’s use gender to inform care—not to box people in. Everyone deserves mental health support that respects their identity, experience, and humanity.
Posted in Mental Health Mental Health Research Trowbridge Service Users Group

Men’s vs. Women’s Mental Health: Are the Differences Real or Reinforced?

 Author: admin Published Date: June 8, 2025

When we divide mental health into gender-specific categories—“men’s mental health” and “women’s mental health”—we might think we’re being helpful. After all, men and women do…

Continue Reading Men’s vs. Women’s Mental Health: Are the Differences Real or Reinforced?
The History of Homosexuality in Mental Health: From Pathology to Pride
Posted in LGBTQ+ Mental Health Mental Health Research Trowbridge Service Users Group

The History of Homosexuality in Mental Health: From Pathology to Pride

 Author: admin Published Date: June 1, 2025

For much of the 20th century, the relationship between homosexuality and the field of mental health was fraught with stigma, misunderstanding, and controversy. Today, while…

Continue Reading The History of Homosexuality in Mental Health: From Pathology to Pride
Sexy Biscuit (Roxy) creates wonderfully quirky and fun videos on YouTube. From game reviews to humorous roleplays, they bring a unique and entertaining style to every upload.
Posted in Funding Press Release Trowbridge Service Users Group TUG News

A Big Thank You to Sexy Biscuit for Their Charity Stream!

 Author: admin Published Date: May 17, 2025

We want to give a huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Sexy Biscuit (aka Roxy) for their incredible charity livestream in support of Kingdom Come:…

Continue Reading A Big Thank You to Sexy Biscuit for Their Charity Stream!
Moonlight and Madness: The Shifting Face of Mental Health from the Middle Ages to Today
Posted in Mental Health Trowbridge Service Users Group

Title: Moonlight and Madness: The Shifting Face of Mental Health from the Middle Ages to Today

 Author: admin Published Date: May 11, 2025

Throughout history, the moon has cast more than just light on the night sky—it has illuminated humanity’s understanding of the mind. From medieval beliefs in…

Continue Reading Title: Moonlight and Madness: The Shifting Face of Mental Health from the Middle Ages to Today
May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often misunderstood—but it's real, it's serious, and it’s treatable. BPD can cause intense emotional pain, unstable relationships, impulsive behaviors, and a fragile sense of self.
Posted in Borderline Personality Disorder BPD Mental Health MR BPD View Trowbridge Service Users Group

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: A Deep Dive into BPD

 Author: admin Published Date: May 4, 2025

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that affects how people feel about themselves, how they relate to others, and how they…

Continue Reading Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: A Deep Dive into BPD
Posted in Art Class Creative Lives Awards Funding Gardening Press Release service user contribution Service User Involvement Trowbridge Museum Trowbridge Service Users Group

Why Peer-Led Mental Health Support Matters: The Story of Trowbridge Service Users Group

 Author: admin Published Date: April 15, 2025

The Story of Trowbridge Service Users Group In the heart of Wiltshire, something truly powerful is happening — and it’s not in a clinic, a…

Continue Reading Why Peer-Led Mental Health Support Matters: The Story of Trowbridge Service Users Group
mental health and social interaction
Posted in Mental Health Trowbridge Service Users Group TUG News

Socialising Is Good for Your Mental Health – And We’re Here to Help

 Author: admin Published Date: April 7, 2025

At Trowbridge Service Users Group, we understand that improving your mental health takes more than just waiting for appointments or prescriptions—it takes connection. When you’ve…

Continue Reading Socialising Is Good for Your Mental Health – And We’re Here to Help
Poster of seasonal change as Trowbridge service users group moves to summer timetable
Posted in Meditation Mental Health Press Release Trowbridge Service Users Group

Spring into Change with Us!

 Author: admin Published Date: March 5, 2025

As the seasons shift, so do we! Trowbridge Service Users Group is excited to announce a change in our timetable as we transition from our…

Continue Reading Spring into Change with Us!
Posted in Mental Health Trowbridge Service Users Group TUG News

What’s New in 2025!

 Author: admin Published Date: January 4, 2025

At Trowbridge Service Users Group, 2025 marks a year of growth, innovation, and opportunity. We’re expanding our sessions, increasing volunteering roles, and welcoming new board…

Continue Reading What’s New in 2025!
Posted in Art Class Celebrating Trowbridge Creative Lives Awards Mental Health Press Release Trowbridge Service Users Group TUG News

Wiltshire group wins Creative Lives Award

 Author: admin Published Date: September 30, 2024

A winner and runner-up was chosen from each nation. Wiltshire-based Trowbridge Service Users Group won the England Award. They received an award and framed certificate, cash prize and free access to all of Creative Lives future online training sessions.

Continue Reading Wiltshire group wins Creative Lives Award