International Men's Day: About Men's Mental Health and Management Techniques

 

International Men's Day, celebrated annually on November 19th, serves as a platform to highlight and address issues that disproportionately affect men. One such pressing concern is men's mental health. Historically, societal stereotypes and expectations have often discouraged men from expressing their emotions or seeking help for mental health challenges.

This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of men's mental health, discuss common challenges they face, and explore effective management techniques.

 

The Stigma Surrounding Men's Mental Health

One of the primary obstacles to addressing men's mental health is the pervasive stigma associated with seeking help. Traditional gender roles often dictate that men should be strong, independent, and emotionally stoic. These expectations can make it difficult for men to acknowledge or express their feelings, leading to a reluctance to seek professional assistance.

 

Common Mental Health Issues Faced by Men

The pressure to be tough and self-reliant often causes men to internalize their struggles. As a result, men's mental health is rarely discussed. Here are some common mental health challenges men face:

• Aggression:

  Feelings of anger, irritability, fear, and frustration can lead to aggressive behaviour. High aggression is often linked to disorders like narcissism and bipolar disorder.

• Social Stigma:

  Men are expected to be strong, unemotional, and the primary caregiver or protector of the family. This creates mental pressure, leading to isolation and difficulty in expressing or recognizing their mental health issues.

• Family History:

  Mental health issues can be biological. A family history of mental health disorders can increase the likelihood of developing similar issues.

• Depression:

  Feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness often manifest as withdrawal or isolation in men, which can lead to untreated and severe depression.

• Anxiety:

  Overthinking about work, family, and the future can trigger anxiety in men, leading to negative thoughts and excessive worry.

• Alcohol, Smoking, or Drugs:

  Men often turn to addictive substances as a coping mechanism for stress or unresolved emotions, further exacerbating mental health issues.

• Suicidal Thoughts:

  Due to societal upbringing, men are less likely to acknowledge or express their mental health struggles. This makes them more prone to suicidal thoughts, with a higher suicide rate compared to women.

• Work-Related Stress:

  primary breadwinners, men often face career pressure, financial instability, and job loss, significantly affecting their mental well-being.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

  can develop PTSD from traumatic experiences such as military service, accidents, or childhood trauma, leading to long-lasting mental health effects.

Men are human and can experience mental health issues, though they may express them differently. Small, unaddressed issues can grow into serious mental health disorders if left untreated.

 

Practical Strategies to Manage Men's Mental Health

There are several techniques men can adopt to manage mental health issues:

1. Physical Activity: Regular exercise plays a crucial role in improving men's mental health by channelling energy and stamina in a positive way while also keeping them fit.

• Sports:

  Participating in any sports activity can be a great outlet for stress and improving mental well-being.

• Gym:

  Going to the gym is a good option for those who enjoy structured fitness routines.

• Dance:

  Dancing is not only fun but also a great way to lift your mood while getting physical exercise.

• Swimming:

  Swimming provides a full-body workout and is an effective way to stay physically and mentally fit.

 

2. Pursue Knowledge

• Stay aware of your self-care needs and the importance of overall health.

• Understand how physical and mental health both contribute to a happy, successful, and long life.

 

3. Self-Discovery

• Analyse yourself:

  time to deeply analyse and understand yourself.

• Explore Emotions:

  Explore your emotions and identify your triggers regularly.

• Coping Techniques:

  Assess your coping mechanisms; if they’re unhealthy, work on replacing them with better alternatives.

 

4. Social Connection

• Balance time between personal time, family, and friends.

• Connect with business networks to expand your circle.

• Engage with extended family or social circles to shift your mindset and break monotony.

• Maintaining strong social connections can greatly enhance your mood and sense of belonging.

 

5. Positive Approach

• Thinking Pattern:

  Evaluate your thinking patterns-whether they are positive or negative.

• Screen:

  Be mindful of the content you consume on screens, as it can unconsciously affect your thoughts.

• Progressive Mindset:

  Focus on having a progressive outlook rather than being overly influenced by societal pressures.

 

6. Time & Work Management

• Managing your time effectively is key to reducing stress and mental strain.

• Ensure you maintain proper sleep patterns for optimal mental and physical health.

• Create a balanced schedule for work, family, and personal time based on daily priorities.

 

7. Me Time

• Leisure Time:

  Dedicate time for leisure activities or quiet moments for self-reflection.

• Upgrading Skills:

  Invest time in upgrading skills relevant to your profession.

• Hobby:

  Allocate time to hobbies that uplift your mood, such as sports, reading, or creative activities.

• Pets:

  Spending time with pets can significantly boost your mood and emotional well-being.

 

8. Music-Dance & Travel

• Engaging in music and dance can act as a mindful exercise for the brain and enhance your mood if you enjoy them.

• Short breaks or trips can provide mental refreshment and a necessary break from routine.

 

9. Therapist

• Find someone trustworthy and capable of offering unbiased, logical advice when needed.

• Prioritize your well-being, and remember that asking for help is a proactive step toward healing and self-care.

 

10. Meditation & Mindfulness

• Meditation helps calm the mind and strengthen mental health.

• Guided meditation is great for beginners and can be easily found online.

• Take walks in nature to relax and restore your energy.

• Eat food mindfully to absorb maximum nutritifon and to enhance the experience. 

• Regular breathing exercises are excellent for overall physical and mental health.

 

11. Journaling

• Journaling is a great way to express unsaid or hided thoughts and emotions.

• Writing about your daily routine or inner emotions can help release hidden feelings and lighten your mood.

• Numerous apps are available to guide you through journaling without the need for pen and paper.

 

10. Gratitude & Affirmation

• Practicing gratitude helps you to look positive things in your life. Write down five things you’re grateful for each day, such as family, work, or even nature.

• Positive affirmations about yourself can help to positive self believe and self-worth.

 

Conclusion:

In this blog, we explored how men can also struggle with mental health issues like depression, fear, anger, and stress. We've learned that taking good care of our lifestyle can work wonders for our mental and physical health.

As we prioritize our well-being, it's equally important to be prepared for life's unexpected challenges. Health insurance is essential not only for accessing excellent healthcare but also for providing financial support during unfortunate circumstances. Many health insurance plans now promote maintaining a healthy lifestyle through wellness programs, offering free or discounted services such as online consultations with healthcare professionals and counsellors.

 

Disclaimer: 

This blog is intended to spread awareness regarding men's mental health. For personalized guidance, please consult a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Additionally, for advice on health insurance and its benefits, it's recommended to seek assistance from health insurance professionals.