Men’s Mental Health Matters
Mental health affects each and every one of us, often in varying degrees, often caused by stress, lifestyle or even underlying disorders or past trauma. Mental health challenges can be difficult to talk about, and men in particular often find it even harder to talk about their mental health struggles; even with a supportive partner, good friends or family members.
Traditionally men tend to find it difficult to express feelings of sadness, anger and anxiety, often due their upbringing, perceived stigmas around mental health or maybe the fear of being ostracized for expressing their emotions, worries and needs.
Men’s health matters! It’s important to make your mental health a priority. By taking better care of your mental health is part of taking care of your body. It will better help you to be the best version of yourself, and by extension, better equip you to take care of others who rely on you.
FACTORS THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH include:
– Social isolation
– Lack of physical activity
– Lack of sleep
– Poor food choices – eating excessive amounts of processed, high-fat, high sugar foods
– Major life changes such as job loss, divorce, illness, death of a loved one, financial strain etc.
Interestingly, physical and emotional health has a direct impact on your mental health. Often by going back to basics and taking care of your physical well-being, can go a long way towards improving your mental state.
NOURISH YOUR BODY
Consume fresh, whole foods as much as possible. Incorporate lean protein, healthy fats, fruit and vegetables and complex carbohydrates into your diet.
Limit highly processed, high-fat, sugary foods, and reduce your alcohol intake. Make sure your staying hydrated throughout the day, by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.
START EXERCISING REGULARLY
Just 20 minutes a day of vigorous exercise that gets your pumping can significantly reduce anxiety and depression. Exercise boosts your metabolism and increases serotonin production in the brain, which is the hormone that makes us feel good. So whether its running, hiking, cycling, high-intensity interval training or a weight lifting session – just get moving!
BUILD SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Having a supportive social group, whether family or friends, really helps to improve your emotional well-being, which is a vital part of overall wellness. Reach out to friends, start a group, sign-up for a class, join a business or social networking club – find ways to engage and connect with likeminded people.
FIND A NEW HOBBY
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and the added benefit of a new hobby is potentially meeting new people and expanding your social circle. Consider creative pursuits or learning a new technical skill, go back to studying or take up a musical instrument. Join a sports club, take up scuba diving, photography, kayaking – the list is endless. The point is to make regular time for an activity that you enjoy, or to learn a fun new skill.
So guys, if you’re struggling at the moment, examine the areas in your life that may be affecting your mental health, without you even realising it.
And if lifestyle changes are not making a tangible difference, seek medical advice from a health professional. You may need a medicated approach in conjunction with your lifestyle adjustments to start feeling better again.
Life can get overwhelming, and if you’re having thoughts of harming yourself – don’t wait. Contact one of the following mental health support lines:
- SADAG Mental Health: 0800 4567 789 / 0800 567 567
- Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322
- Depression & Anxiety Helpline: 0800 70 80 90
- SA Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 21 22 23 / 0800 12 13 14