Focusing on Men’s Mental Health This November 

Focusing on Men’s Mental Health This November 

“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength” – Sigmund Freud 

Men have a wide range of emotions not just during significant occasions in life but every day. Mental health can be impacted by the smallest change. Humans are constantly in that fight or flight mode – especially in modern society when the world around us poses so many risks.   

That sense of threat to our system is never too far away. Just think back to 100 years ago. The world saw two of the great wars that lost countless lives. British people fought valiantly to defend our freedom today. It impacted the health of many men, which was then passed down to their children.  

These days we have different threats to our system. It can be from something major like a fight with someone close to you or a stranger – whether physical or verbal – or something less threatening but still damaging like our addiction to social media. To know what is going on not just with people we know but also with those we don’t. Essentially, mental health is a challenge we face daily – sometimes without realising it.   

Why Are So Many Men Impacted by Mental Health?  

You’ll often hear the expression ‘man up’ told to men of all ages. It’s been passed down through generations and is expected. To roll the sleeves up, sweep any issues under a rug and carry on like nothing’s happened. So many men are impacted by mental health – sadly three times as many men die by suicide compared to women in the UK. 

Stigmas and traditions are common in society, and often tough to break down. The man needs to act as the breadwinner, working and developing a thick skin to absorb any conflicts or doubts while the woman stays at home providing the dinner and supporting by looking after the children. These are old notions that are not followed as stringently today, as we see people of all genders having more freedom to choose what they do.  

 However, it is true that many men do not talk about what they’re feeling, whether that’s doubt, anger, worry or disappointment. Not addressing these emotions can eventually lead to depression and even darker thoughts. Men fear being judged by society and those closest to them. The real worry is when somebody struggles to cope with poor mental health and doesn’t speak up. 

What Can Men Do About it? 

The first step towards making a positive change and developing good mental health is recognising the issue and finding a way to approach the problem. When you’re travelling on a plane they always tell you to sort out your oxygen mask first before helping others. It’s the same in everyday life when dealing with mental health – taking care of yourself is so important and considering your needs and emotions first before worrying about those around you and what they think is vital. 

These days there are so many ways men can spin negative mental health into positive mental health. Granted, it’s certainly a tough challenge and spiralling thoughts of stress, worry and fear are tough to turn around. But there are countless resources out there if you want to address your mental health. A simple search in Google will help you locate countless online chat services, phone numbers to contact or support groups to join to find men in a similar situation. Talking about your negative thoughts is the first key step. Having that support network of people going through the same help. Then it’s about finding the little things in life that make you happy and using a gratitude practice to appreciate what you have each day.   

During November there is a particular focus on men’s mental health with International Men’s Day falling on the 19th of the month. It concentrates not just on health but recognising the ‘cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of men’. Tackling the stigma of mental health, talking about it and acting upon it not just each November but every month will make a big difference. 

Is One Method Better Than the Other to Address Mental Health Among Men? 

It’s truly about a combination of techniques, thought processes and taking action. Whether that’s visiting a doctor to speak about medications that may help with issues such as anxiety or depression, counselling or therapy sessions to discuss your thoughts with someone neutral or more natural methods. Sometimes it’s concentrating on yourself with homoeopathic remedies such as more exercise, eating better, getting good rest and a bit of sunlight each day that can drastically shift the thought process. 

Vulnerabilities happen among men and women throughout the year because life is full of so many ups and downs. That’s part of the journey. You feel the stress setting in when you think about work, family, relationships and so much more. Modern society with the introduction of technology and social media has only ramped up that thought process. So it’s about using a range of methods if you’re struggling with mental health to turn the corner. Grab that metaphorical oxygen mask and watch your world change for the better. 

To get in touch with Global QA Consultants, click here.