Mental Health Awareness for Men
It’s Man-Time!
Although this spring has been undeniably different with the global pandemic limiting how we celebrate together, March is often full of flowery spring Mother’s Day celebrations, followed by Easter. It can often mean the men in your life might get overlooked.
June 20th is Father’s day - both in the UK and France, and it will be following Men’s Health Week, which is the 14th - 20th June. Making this a great time to think of not just the dad’s, but ALL the men in our lives.
Plus, whether men like to admit it or not, it often takes the support of a loved one to help them shine a spotlight on their health, both physical and mental. This is part of the larger discussion happening right now: the systemic pressure we place on our men, male teens and young boys to “be boys” that “boys don’t cry”. That to be ‘tough’ and ‘too cool’ to care about their wellness is ok.
It is refreshing to see that the conversation is changing. It is becoming more and more ok - and encouraged - for men to speak out about mental and physical health. Then to take it a step forward and to support one another and be there for each other.
What can you do this Men’s Health Week?
The NHS, Mind and Men’s Health Forum recommend 5 key ways to maintain the health of your body and mind :
Get educated
The Men’s Health Week focuses this year on the Covid-19 pandemic and what men need to be aware of, at home, in their personal and in their work lives. You can read more and sign-up for more information and online events here.
However, there are a million other things you could look to learn this month/year/lockdown! Plus, with many resources opening up their digital platforms during the lockdown, a lot of e-learning has become free. Things like :
A new ‘practical’ skill: DIY / painting/craftwork
A musical-themed talent: singing, an instrument, your favourite band bios
Reading some books: just for pleasure’s sake!
Something aimed at your professional life
Get Connected
Relationships are important to us. Whether it is family, friends, colleagues. We need that interaction with other people. The opportunity to share and support one another helps us build a sense of self-worth. There are some things to try, like :
setting aside time every day to engage with someone, your children, partner, a friend. Anyone. But have some time to put everything else to one side and really focus on listening and talking with that person.
If you can, perhaps visit someone who would benefit from your support and company.
If you can’t visit during the pandemic, then use the digital tools to hand, messenger, Zoom, FaceTime… they are all a great way for us to keep in touch with one another.
Give your time
Men’s Health Week comes on the heels of Mental Health Awareness week, whose theme was ‘Be Kind’. This is a great theme for anyone to carry with them. However, for Men’s Health Week, why not take it on as a project? Remember, something in your opinion may seem small, but to another can be life-changing :
Join a local charity and offer assistance - time, resources etc
Check-in on your neighbours. Is there someone near you who needs assistance - someone in one of the Covid-19 ‘at risk’ categories?
Smile. If you’re like us, whenever you make it out into public, you find yourself smiling and looking for a connection with everyone you pass by. Smiles are a good kind of infectious!
Get Active
Simply moving around and getting our heart rate up can lift your mood perceptibly. It doesn’t have to be big, take the stairs instead of the lift or take a walk - it doesn’t have to be at pace or up a mountain! There is also something re-energising about getting outdoors and connecting with the world outside. Again, it can be simple: some gardening, or maybe litter picking around your local area.
Self Care and Mindfulness
The well-used analogy of the oxygen mask is right. If you don’t put your mask on first - i.e. take care of yourself first - you won't be in a good position to put the mask on those depending on you. So take some time to figure out what you need. Maybe it’s some time out - 15 minutes a day to sit quietly and meditate. Maybe you need to find a physical output - a daily exercise routine or online class. Perhaps it’s time to start eating better - treating yourself to what your body needs rather than wants. Whatever it is, DO IT! Prioritise yourself - of course, and we’d recommend a massage at this point!
Get Support
Finally, if you are really struggling and need some help or support, then reach out. Know that you are not alone and that there is a world of support out there. It might not be geographically local, but there are a lot of resources online that you can access :
Men's Health Forum also has interactive chat rooms where you can connect and ask questions.
Massage Me has also created a Pinterest board with many more links to fitness ideas, self-care and meditation guides, and many other resources to help you keep fit and well.
#menshealthweek #mentalhealthawareness #bekind
Written by Jen Tsang