From Trad Wives To The Manosphere: Why Radicalisation Feels Easier Than Ever

MD Duran on Unsplash" />It is perhaps an understament to say that the past five years have felt like constant turmoil. From the pandemic, to Qanon and now Trump serving a second term, it’s been quite the head-spinner.And that’s before we discuss the impact Andrew Tate has on young boys.It’s been a hell of a time on our collective mental health. Way back in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwideWith all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that people have been trying to make sense of this whirlwind by turning to prominent mouthpieces and figures that purport to have all of the answers to what the ‘real’ issues in the world are.This was recently explored in the TV mini-series Adolescence, which explores themes of online misogyny and toxic masculinity, leaving viewers wondering what happens behind closed doors to radicalise people so severely.What has been causing the recent radicalisation? We spoke to an expertHuffPost UK spoke with psychotherapist James Lloyd to learn more about what causes this behaviour, and how we can help people in our lives that may be falling down a radicalisation hole.Lloyd says: “I think when someone becomes drawn to extreme views, whether it’s something like QAnon or a strong political ideology on either end of the spectrum, it’s often because the message is meeting a need that hasn’t been met in their life.“That might be the need to feel important, to feel like they belong somewhere, to have clear answers, or even just to make sense of a world that feels confusing or unfair.”Regardless of who you are, this is something that most of us can likely empathise with. Looking for meaning is a fundamental part of being human.Lloyd adds: “These kinds of messages can be really appealing if someone feels overlooked, powerless, or disconnected. They offer simple explanations, a strong identity, and often a group to be part of, which can be especially powerful if someone’s felt isolated or not listened to.”According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, 7 million adults in the UK experience chronic loneliness.“It can happen to anyone, and it’s not always about the specific beliefs, it’s about what the beliefs are giving them emotionally.”What to do if you’re worried about somebody becoming radicalisedLloyd advises: “If you’re worried about someone, one of the most helpful things can be to stay connected to them rather than challenge their views head-on. Arguing usually makes people dig in deeper.“But being genuinely curious, open, and willing to listen can sometimes help them feel safer and less alone, and that can create a bit of space to think differently.”Help and support:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...Spotify Takes Down Andrew Tate's 'Pimping' Podcast After Petition Reaches 90K SignaturesStephen Graham Responds To Racist Adolescence Misinformation Shared By Elon Musk'It’s A World I Don’t Understand': Parents Share Fears About Raising Teens After Adolescence

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