Men’s Health Month: An easy guide to managing your mental health better

The world we live in today has advanced in many ways; technology has soared, bringing with it ease of living for many. However, the grind of everyday effects the strongest of us, men or women notwithstanding. A myth goes about though, about how men shouldn’t express when they feel blue. A myth that hurts those that believe in it. June is Men’s Health Month and a reminder that every man that we know and love, deserves help when it comes to taking care of their mental wellbeing.

Gone are the days when famous men refused to speak about mental health, thinking it would bring their popularity down. Today, celebrities like actor Dwayne Johnson, singer Zayn Malik, British royalty Prince Harry have all spoken about the various mental health issues they have faced. In 2007, American actor Owen Wilson shocked his friends when he attempted suicide at his California home. Through a magazine, he took the opportunity to come clean about his battle with depression and drug addiction. By speaking out, these famous men made thousands of people aware of not just mental health but how one could reach out and seek help to make their lives better.

We all are aware of the stereotype that men around the world are strong and capable of dealing with challenges without showing any signs of vulnerability. This perception often leads men to ignore their mental health needs. And so, it is even more important for men to understand that experiencing emotional highs and lows is a very real thing, one that can affect their wellbeing.

The demands of modern work environments like tight deadlines and long hours, the challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with one’s personal life and the advent of social media, all contribute to elevated stress levels among men. The need to excel in one’s career and the pressure of family and social obligations add to this. The conditioning that they must financially provide for their families and manage economic stability can impact their mental health further. By recognising and addressing these challenges, men can cope and deal with them better.

Men’s Health Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about men’s health issues. During this month, various initiatives and events are organised to encourage men to prioritise their wellbeing.

So, join us as we take this opportunity to explore some effective ways in which you can identify the blues you feel and learn how to manage them better.

Recognising something’s wrong

Due to age old societal ideas around masculinity, its seen that men often don’t express their feelings and emotions freely. It then becomes extremely important to pay attention when any symptoms develop. Understanding and identifying symptoms such as changes in one’s behaviour, mood swings, increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities or changes in sleep patterns can help in early intervention and offer much-needed support.

Further, friends and family members can also offer support and encourage men to seek professional help by recognising these symptoms early on.

Expressing through journalling

Our emotions can, at times, be challenging to understand. Sometimes, we find it difficult to express what we’re feeling, which can lead to confusion or even suppression of our emotions. Journaling or writing one’s feelings down tends to offer a private space where men can explore their emotions without fear of judgment. It allows them to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings. Through journaling, men can identify triggers that affects their mental state. It also serves as a therapeutic tool for processing emotions. By regularly engaging in this practice, men can cultivate a healthier relationship with their emotions.

Sharing emotions, communicating openly

“If we start being honest about our pain, our anger and our shortcomings instead of pretending they don’t exist, then maybe we’ll leave the world a better place than we found it,” the famous American football quarterback Russell Wilson once said. Wilson simply highlights the importance of openness and communication in one’s overall wellbeing, of how one must be open about their pain and anger and not pretend like they don’t exist.

In fact, encouraging open communication is the key to addressing most of men’s mental health issues. By openly discussing your pain, anger and vulnerabilities, you can learn to ease your burden. Open communication not only breaks down stigmas surrounding men’s mental health but also paves the way for a healthier lifestyle.