Men Mental Health Month: 8 Excellent Steps to Support Men

Men Mental Health Month: Introduction-

In the present times, mental health has become a topic for which discussion has become not only necessary but also mandatory. While awareness of the mental health of women and children is constantly increasing, the issues of mental health for men remain suppressed in society. To break this silence and make people aware of the mental health of men, the month of June every year is celebrated as ‘Men Mental Health Month’.

Under Men Mental Health Month, this month of June every year especially inspires men to stay mentally healthy, gives them the message of emotional support, and tries to remove the misconceptions related to mental health prevalent in society. Even though Men Mental Health Month is celebrated in June, its message becomes important every year, every month, and every day. Men have many responsibilities in their lives, such as running a family, managing a job or business, fulfilling social expectations, etc. The mental pressure of all these takes a toll on Men Mental Health.

When we hear or pronounce the word “man”, the image of a strong, fearless, and fighting man always emerges in our minds. But this image can also be a myth, because due to some problem or mental illness, many men keep suffering their inner pain silently. Men Mental Health Month, i.e., the month of June, is determined to break this silence and tell that men also have mental feelings, they also have conflicts in their mind, and they too have the right to help and a solution.

Men Mental Health Month: History-

It started in the year 1994 as Men Health Week, which was celebrated for a week in America. Later, it was extended for the entire month of June and made Men Mental Health Month. Mental health was included in it only when the importance of mental health awareness was understood. Now every month of June is celebrated as Men Mental Health Month all over the world.

Men Mental Health Month: Silence of men-

Mental health is not limited to any age, gender, or class. But in the context of men, this topic is entangled in many social and cultural layers, being false. Boys are taught from childhood that ‘men don’t cry’, ‘you are talking like a girl’, ‘don’t be weak’, etc. All these sentences may have seemed normal in childhood, but these things gradually become the cause of mental pressure, self-rejection, and emotional blockage.

When a man faces any mental crisis in his life, he is afraid to speak out, fearing that people will consider him weak. This thinking leads him to loneliness and mental illness. The result of this is that men smile even in pain and remain silent even when they are broken from within.

Men Mental Health Month: Mental Health Problems-

During Men Mental Health Month, many mental health problems are seen in men. Such as depression, anxiety and nervousness, stress, sleep problems, drug addiction, suicidal thoughts, etc. The shocking thing is that the number of men committing suicide worldwide is four times more than that of women. One of the main reasons for this is that men are not able to share their mental problems with anyone in time.

Men Mental Health Month: Objective-

The objective of this special month of June under Men Mental Health Month is-

1- To make men understand that mental health care is as important as physical health.

2- To make them believe that if they express their feelings, they are not weak but courageous.

3- To remove social stigma related to mental illnesses.

4- To provide information about supportive resources, counseling services, and helplines for men.

5- To also teach family and friends how they can support men.

Under Men Mental Health Month, this month reminds us that masculinity does not only mean looking strong, but keeping oneself mentally healthy and seeking help when needed is also true bravery. Only when we start accepting the feelings of men will it be possible to create a strong and balanced society. So let us all together break this silence and make every man believe that his voice, his feelings, and his mental health also matter.

Men Mental Health Month: Requirement-

Under Men Mental Health Month, the need for mental health in men is as follows.

1. Cultural expectations and pressure-

In our society, men are often expected to be strong, calm, and confident. Expressing their feelings or accepting mental pain does not make people consider them weak. Due to the fear of this mentality, they are unable to reveal their inner pain to others.

2. Monthly stress and responsibilities-

In today’s time, men play many roles, such as work, family, social responsibility, and financial pressure etc. Job uncertainty, family care, financial crisis, career challenges, all of these do not remain without affecting the mental state.

3. Invisible mental diseases-

Men often have problems like depression, anxiety, stress, social phobia, alcohol or drug addiction. But they are often hesitant to seek help from a doctor or psychiatrist because this topic is not discussed openly.

4- Increase in suicide rate-

Worldwide, the suicide rate of men is four times higher than that of women. This only proves the serious lack of mental health, which can be improved in time.

Under Men Mental Health Month, the challenges related to mental health are as follows.

1. Depression-

Depression is not just sadness. It is associated with symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, and low self-esteem. It is always difficult to identify depression in men because they hide it with anger, irritability, or a tendency to overwork.

2. Anxiety and stress-

Anxiety takes many forms. Such as financial, family, career, etc. Apart from this, stress does not allow sleep. The mind remains disturbed repeatedly. Breathing and heartbeat become faster.

3. Lack of self-reflection-

Men always feel uncomfortable sharing their feelings openly with others. Lack of self-reflection, such as trusted friends, family, or a therapist, deepens their mental troubles.

Certain beliefs push men to hide their mental struggles, also known as toxic masculinity. For example, ‘men should not cry’ or “Men are stronger at suppressing their emotions.”

5. Addiction and self-harm-

Some men turn to alcohol, smoking, drugs, or intoxication to deal with stress or grief. This may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, it worsens mental health.

Under Men Mental Health Month, some cultural and social barriers related to mental health are as follows.

1. Definition of masculinity-

There are many rigid definitions of masculinity in society. For example, self-reliant, not showing emotions, decision-maker. These definitions push men to hide mental pain and not admit problems.

2. Aversion to asking for help-

The notion that ‘asking for help is a sign of weakness’ is deeply ingrained in society. If someone talks about meeting a therapist, many men feel pained by thinking of it as a sign of ‘need for psychotherapy’.

3. Lack of awareness-

Many men do not have proper information about mental health. They feel the symptoms, but they do not know what to do, where to go, or how to seek medical help.

4. Negligence of family members-

Some families do not take mental health seriously. They consider it a ‘mental weakness’, ‘strange word’, or ‘not a reason for worry’ and react insensitively.

Men Mental Health Month: Measures and strategies for improvement-

Under Men Mental Health Month, the measures and strategies for improving mental health are as follows.

1- Identify the primary-

If you feel that you are not able to sleep, you are feeling less hungry, you have lost interest in the mind, you are feeling sad frequently, then all these can be signs of depression or anxiety. If you are constantly angry, feel excessively tired during work, distance yourself from friends, or are inclined towards alcohol or drugs, then pay attention to these.

2- Talk to a trusted person-

A close friend, family member, or trusted person, with whom you can talk openly, inform them about your situation. Talking makes the mind lighter, and you can understand your problem.

3- Seek advice or therapy-

Do not hesitate to meet a mental health expert, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Therapy helps you to bring out your feelings, understand the pattern, and bring positive change.

4- Take care of yourself-

A balanced diet, yoga or exercise, adequate sleep, and rest are necessary every day. Meditation, pranayama, walking, and spending time in nature provide mental peace.

Spend time with friends and family. Participate in your interests, such as sports, music, books, etc. Additionally, group activities such as clubs, official programs, etc., strengthen social relationships.

6- Avoid alcohol and drugs-

Do not consume alcohol or drugs during times of stress. These provide temporary relief but aggravate the problem. Seek professional help to get out of addiction. Such as detox centers, support groups, therapists, etc.

7- Digital break-

Maintain some distance from social media, useless screen time, work-related chats, and notifications. Relax your mind by staying away from the digital world for some time.

8- Embrace small joys-

Eating well, listening to favorite songs, spending time with family, reading a book, walking in the lap of nature, etc., such small tasks can improve your mood.

Men Mental Health Month: Importance-

Under mental health, the importance of Men Mental Health Month is as follows.

1. Spreading awareness-

In Men Mental Health Month, various organizations raise awareness about mental health among men through social media, media talk, workshops, webinars, etc. Such as what its symptoms are, how to get help for it, how common this problem is, etc.

2. Support for mental health-

“You are not alone.” This message is broadcast on a large scale. Men are made to understand that there is no shame in seeking help, but it is a part of mental health and general health.

3. Providing resources-

Seminars, counselling slogans, helpline numbers, therapist lists, strategies to support friends and family, etc., are all shared during this month so that everyone can take steps in the right direction.

4. Role models and stories-

Famous personalities like doctors, sportspersons, leaders, etc. share their mental health journey to show that everyone can be affected by depression, anxiety, stress, and that solutions are possible.

Men Mental Health Month: Helpful Resources-

1. Helpline and online support-

Some platforms in India, such as Kiran Helpline, Aasra, Therapy Platform, etc., issue helpline and online support, where one can talk to trained therapists.

Apart from this, if you need other information related to mental health, I can help you. You can get the latest information from the website, edublog.cloud. Other blogs related to this are also available.

Another blog has also been written equivalent to this blog.

2. Local clubs and support groups-

In major cities and countries big cities or countries, there are mental health clubs, support groups where men can share their experiences and get guidance from experts.

3. Books and articles-

Books and blogs available in Hindi and English, such as ‘The Mindful Male’, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, ‘Emotional Intelligence’, Mental Health (Blog), and Hindi books like ‘Man Ki Shakti’, ‘Jeevan Ke Bhavnatmak aspect’, etc., can be helpful.

Men Mental Health Month: Personal Experience: Fiction-

Tomy’s Story-

Tomy is a 35-year-old engineer. He was always under stress due to family, career, and financial pressures. Gradually, he started getting less sleep. He started getting angry more often, did not feel like working. He avoided going to social gatherings. Gradually, the distance between him and his friends increased. One day, when someone asked him, “Are you okay?”, he would break down and always remain sad.

He told his closest friend about his feelings openly. The friend suggested that he talk to a mental health expert. Tomy contacted a psychiatrist. With the help of skilled therapists and counselors, he gradually understood anxiety and stress, expressed his feelings, and adopted positive habits.

In a few months, he changed his lifestyle. With yoga every day, healthy food, meditation, adequate sleep, and periodic therapy, he started feeling better. Now he shares his experience with other men, so that they can know that seeking help is not a matter of shame, but a responsibility of being alive.

Men Mental Health Month: Conclusion-

The purpose of Men Mental Health Month is to draw attention to the issues related to Men Mental Health and increase awareness about it in society. Men have to suppress their emotions due to social and family pressures. “Traditional thinking like ‘men don’t cry’ prevents them from expressing mental problems openly. As a result, they can fall prey to serious conditions like stress, depression, and even suicide.

Men Mental Health Month is not a repetition but an inspiring occasion in every man’s life. So, recognize your mental conditions in time, do not hesitate to ask for help, adopt self-care, and give a message to society that men are not isolated from emotions. All of us, friends, family, institutions, and government have a responsibility to accept Men Mental Health as a normal health, support it, and create a safe environment for everyone where they can talk openly.

Men Mental Health Month is not just a campaign for June. It is a step towards annual awareness and action change on Men Mental Health Month. Recognizing the mental challenges of men, giving them a safe space, telling them options for help, all these are steps towards making society mentally healthy.

Remember the inspiring message-

1. Do not suppress your emotions; positively express them.

2. If something doesn’t feel right—ask for help.

3. Healthy lifestyle food, sleep, and exercise stabilize the mind.

4. Talking about mental health in society is not a weakness but wisdom.

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