Men’s health, more specifically men’s mental health, is very important. Unlike women, men don’t seek help for life’s challenges – instead believe that they can handle it alone. It’s a silent crisis.
Society puts a lot of pressure on the definition of what a man ‘should and shouldn’t be’: “a man must be strong”; “feelings are for girls”; “men don’t cry”; “men are breadwinners” – this pressure can leave men without a powerful sense of pride, purpose and meaning once they fall short of these ‘definitions’ and creates the hesitation to reach out about their struggles. Depression, anxiety, bipolarity, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are some mental issues that men face.
Men’s mental health is not just a health issue – it’s a social issue and we need to end the stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness. We can do this by raising awareness, advocating that it’s okay to reach out and ask from all women to be more supportive of men’s struggles and families to be more conscious about raising healthy human beings rather than feeding stereotypes.
Here are top tips from our clinical psychologist and family counselor, Dr. Andrea Tosatto:
1. Having a Healthy Mind is having a Healthy Life
A mentally healthy man leads and promotes healthy surroundings. Your mental health issues and the challenges that you are facing affect your environment and the people you love. It takes a lot of strength to admit when something in your life needs changing and talking about it, is the first step in making that change.
2. Self-Awareness: Power in your Hands
Recognizing your challenges and stress signals will allow you to be more connected with yourself – shifting the power from the problem’s corner into your corner. Being consciously knowledgeable of your own character and your feelings will help you be more in control of your mental health and mindful of the steps necessary to manage the issues. Sharing the burden is powerful – don’t carry it alone.
3. Don’t be afraid to Ask for Help
Looking for answers and relief through short-cuts, substance abuse and other addictions is seeking temporary solutions within the problem. These short-cuts become tools feeding the problem and allowing it to spiral out of your control. Instead, connect with your community and loved ones – don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seeking help can be confidential and tailored to what works best for you.
Many factors play a role in mental health issues: genetics plays a big part, biology and the environment as well. One’s quality of diet, exercise and life/work balance are also factors. Feeling discouraged, overwhelmed and lost are normal. You’ll notice that you’re not alone when seeking help either by talking to a professional or sharing your experience at support groups.
Men who seek help are not weak. In reality, you’re displaying a great deal of strength in recognizing and admitting that you need help. Strength is declaring that you have reached your limit and that you need support.
