October is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting men and focus on suicide prevention. While this annual campaign is important, supporting men’s mental health is vital every day of the year. Here are some ways we can promote mental wellbeing for the men in our lives.
Understanding the Unique Mental Health Challenges Facing Men
Mental illness does not discriminate based on gender. However, social norms and attitudes about masculinity can create unique barriers for men seeking help. Men are less likely than women to recognize symptoms of mental health issues like depression or anxiety. They are also less inclined to talk about emotions or ask for support due to societal expectations around male stoicism and self-reliance.
Men are over 3 times more likely to die by suicide than women, with suicide ranking as one of the top causes of death for men under 45. This alarming statistic points to a need for greater outreach and education around men’s mental health. Suppressing emotions and “toughing it out” in silence can have devastating consequences. Creating a culture where men feel comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles is critical.
Promoting Wellness Year-Round Through Regular Check-Ins
One impactful way to support the men in your life is through regular check-ins. Simply asking “How are you doing?” and making time to actively listen shows you care about their overall wellbeing. Check-ins can reveal if someone is struggling with depression, stress, or other issues before they reach crisis levels.
Checking in should not be limited to Mental Health Month in October. Consider making check-ins a habit all year by scheduling time to connect – whether it’s a monthly call, regular lunch date, or walk in the park together. For male friends or relatives who live farther away, you can still check in through text messages, email, or social media.
For men who tend to keep things bottled up, you may need to be patient in regularly creating space for open conversations. Use check-ins to show you’re always available as a non-judgemental listener.
Encouraging Healthy Coping Mechanisms
As you discuss mental health with the men in your life, also talk about healthy ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions. Many turn to risky behaviors like excess drinking, drug abuse, gambling, or anger outbursts. These destructive outlets for pain and stress simply compound problems down the road.
Instead, offer concrete suggestions for more sustainable coping methods:
- Exercise – Physical activity naturally boosts feel-good endorphins and relieves muscle tension. Encourage walking, running, weightlifting, team sports – whatever he enjoys.
- Creative hobbies – Playing an instrument, woodworking, painting, photography – find an expressive outlet that helps process emotions.
- Relaxation practices – Meditation apps, deep breathing exercises, yoga, spending time in nature. Help him build daily routines for winding down.
- Expanding social connections – Loneliness exacerbates mental health struggles. Push back against tendencies to isolate. Help him strengthen bonds with supportive friends or join a group based on common interests.
Providing Resources and Professional Help
Well-meaning family and friends cannot take the place of mental health professionals. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists are trained to address everything from temporary depression to more serious bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
You can point men to helpful mental health resources like:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – Trained advisors provide information, referrals, and support.
- Therapy apps like BetterHelp or TalkSpace – Convenient solutions for online counseling.
- Local community health centers – Public clinics often provide mental health services based on ability to pay.
If someone reveals self-harm thoughts or seems detached from reality, don’t hesitate to call emergency services. Serious mental illnesses require prompt treatment plans tailored to the individual, often including therapy and medication. Ongoing encouragement and support from loved ones are also critical for long-term recovery.
Embracing Healthy Masculinity
As we consider men’s emotional wellbeing, it’s important to recognize positive expressions of masculinity as well. Qualities like providing for loved ones, protecting the vulnerable, cultivating community, controlled strength – these reflect healthy masculine identity, not unchecked toxicity.
Promoting vulnerable emotionality and physical vitality allows men to thrive without conformity to outdated gender roles. We should celebrate men expressing mental health needs as a sign of courage, not weakness.
Promoting Year-Round Awareness
This October during Men’s Mental Health Month, use it as a springboard for widening conversations, increasing understanding, and strengthening support systems. While heightened awareness one month a year is beneficial, we must sustain focus on men’s wellness every day.
Through ongoing check-ins, healthy coping skills, professional help, and embracing masculine strengths – we can empower the men in our lives to prioritize mental health. Acceptance, strong connections, and early intervention can make all the difference in preventing crisis. It takes a village to foster change – and each of us has opportunities to be part of that village, every day of the year.
