Tips for Men’s Mental wellness
Many problems in life are experienced by both men and women, however there are some particular difficulties and influences for men when it comes to mental health. Males continued to account for three-quarters of suicide deaths registered in 2021 (4,129 male deaths compared with 1,454 female deaths). Conforming to societal pressures a about what it means to be a man, or traditional and restrictive understandings of masculinity can negatively impact self-esteem, confidence and mental wellness. But there are some things you can try to help yourself or other men and boys you know with their mental health:
(1). Get Talking, reach out to friends or family, attend a support group or call one of the many support lines both locally and nationally: click on the button below for mental health support information.
(2). Be there for the men and boys in your life, be a non-judgemental and kind listening ear, check-up and check in on friends and colleagues and keep checking.
(3). Learn how to ask for help, considering why you find it uncomfortable asking for help and whether those reasons are actually stopping you from getting the support you need.
(5). Create a Tool box of Mental wellness, what tools do you have support your mental wellness, it could be anything from regular exercise, spending time with friends, creative writing, doodling, cold water swimming, finding an activity that you enjoy will help you decompress and relax.
(5). Get better sleep and eat well, it might sound simple but these are often the first things to go when you’re not feeling yourself or when you feel stressed or under pressure. Its a vicious circle, poor sleep and diet negatively effects mental wellness and mental stress and ill-health effects sleep and diet. Breaking the negative cycle can only have a positive impact, what you eat and drink, will affect your brain function and consequently your mood and mental health. Healthy foods like fresh fruit and veg contain vitamins and minerals to nourish your brain, whereas a diet high in convenience and refined foods like sugary snacks and processed meat can be harmful to the brain. It’s not ‘woolly’ advice, multiple studies have linked a diet high in refined sugars with impaired brain function and depression. Try to eat a varied diet packed full of plants and all the nutrients you need to thrive.
Just remember do not let being a man, or the perception of what it means to be a “man” be barrier to finding the path to a healthier, happier you.
