Every year in the middle of June, the globe celebrates International Men’s Health Week. It’s a chance to emphasise the significance of men’s mental health and to promote and support the well-being and health of men and boys in our communities.
Men’s Health Week focuses on men’s mental health and emotional well-being as well as physical health. Building Healthy Conditions for Men and Boys will be the topic of Men’s Health Week in 2022, with an emphasis on building physically, psychologically, and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace, and social settings.
The stigma connected with the term “Be a Man” might be more harmful than beneficial when it comes to males expressing their feelings and discussing mental health difficulties.
Men may attempt to avoid uncomfortable talks with their friends, to bottle up relationship issues and not discuss them openly with their partners, and to avoid seeing their doctor when it is truly required. These cultural standards in which males are expected to be silently strong may be harmful to their mental health and that it is always necessary to get help when needed.
According to Beyond Blue, one in every eight men will experience depression, and one in every five men will suffer from anxiety at some point in their life. Perhaps more concerning, males account for an average of seven out of every nine suicides in Australia each day. To put this in context, the number of males who die suicide in Australia each year is roughly double that of the national road toll. Accepting help, overcoming stigma, and altering the notion that men must be strong and keep going at the expense of their health are all things we want to change as a culture.
With just 30% of a man’s total health being genetic and 70% being controlled by lifestyle behaviours, here are some suggestions to help you live a healthier lifestyle:
- Mental Wellness – What makes you feel good about yourself? Nature, football, or fishing? Do more of that!
- Sleep – Men who sleep 6-8 hours per night have a 60% lower chance of having a fatal heart attack than those who sleep 5 hours or less.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption – Limiting your alcohol consumption may reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Seeking help – Approximately half of all males in Australia will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives. Knowing when to seek for help and when to act is important.
- Connection – Reach out and say hello to a friend, loved one or work colleague
We are here to support you
With these significant numbers in Men’s Mental Health, raising awareness to a considerably under-discussed aspect of Men’s Health has never been more vital. Positive Mind Works has a team of experienced psychologists that provide guidance and support to men experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, ADHD, and other conditions.
To book an appointment with one of our team, please give reception a call on 1800 327 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ) or click here to book online.
