How to Support Men’s Mental Health on World Mental Health Day and Beyond

Introduction

World Mental Health Day is a powerful reminder that mental health matters to every one of us. Every year, this one day is a diary reminder for us all to bring mental health challenges into the light, to confront them head on and talk openly about mental well-being. We should be creating an environment where no one is alone in their mental health journey. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring how to support men’s mental health on World Mental Health Day (and beyond), and how we can all get involved.

Whether you are someone who is going through personal mental health battles, or supporting a loved one, my hope is that this blog will offer some practical tips and guidance that you can use, no matter where you are on your journey. Mental health is a battle that often goes unseen but with a combination of awareness and support, together we can make a difference.

Together, we can create a world where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. We can create a world, where asking for help makes someone stronger, not weaker. So, let’s use World Mental Health Day as a starting point for compassion and action, because good mental health should be a priority for everyone, every day of the year.

Understanding Mental Health

We all understand the importance of our physical health, but how many of us truly make time to consider our mental health? Here’s the kicker; in the UK, 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year (source: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-facts-and-statistics/ ), with diagnoses ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder and PTSD.

Let that sink in for a moment. 1 person in an average family household will experience a mental health problem every year.

Breaking it down still further, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in the UK, each week.

This goes to show that mental health disorders can extend to anyone at any time. Poor mental health doesn’t discriminate. It will hit on anyone it chooses. And once we realise that it is normal to have mental health struggles, we can pave the way for a more sympathetic and understanding society.

Tackling the Stigma

While the conversation on mental health has evolved over the years, the stigma associated with mental health continues to be a significant barrier faced by many in need of help. Even now, with the amount of positive media attention that mental health receives, there are still misconceptions around it, leading people to feel ashamed or fearful of being judged.

As someone who has had their fair share of mental health problems over the years, and still has days where the black dog pays a visit, I can vouch for the fact that despite all of the media attention, men especially, often find it difficult to speak out about their mental health struggles. Although awareness campaigns and advocacy have moved a long way towards normalising conversations on mental health, it is important that we continue the process. Each, and every conversation (whether it be with friends, or over social media) about mental health, helps to break down the stigma.

The Role of Education

Raising awareness about mental health is essential, and education plays a major part in this. Knowledge of the warning signs can help people and communities respond promptly, helping with both early intervention and getting the right treatment. Mental health education should be embedded in schools, workplaces, and local communities to ensure everyone has the knowledge they need. The more we educate ourselves about mental health, the better equipped we’ll be to support not only ourselves, but those around us. By continuing to raise awareness and improve education, we can create a more inclusive, understanding world where good mental health is valued and prioritised.

Understanding When Either You or Someone Else Needs Help

It can be hard to spot mental health problems in yourself or others. But early recognition is still a key to getting the right help quickly. Some common signs of depression are, prolonged sadness or anxiety, persistent irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or changes in eating or sleeping habits. At times, these symptoms may be subtle but can be signs of a larger underlying problem. If you feel that you are noticing any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important that you acknowledge them and take steps toward getting help.

How Can You Help Support Someone Struggling with Their Mental Health?

I get it. It can often feel like you have no idea how to help someone else who may be struggling, but ‘just being there’ really does matter when it comes to a mental health issue. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to feel they can talk. Remember too, that they may be struggling to communicate, so it is important to be as empathic as possible. Listen without making any judgement and concentrate on their needs in that moment. Don’t try to solve their problem but provide reassurance and offer signposts to some practical information and resources if appropriate.

However, the most important thing that you can do is to simply listen. You may want to encourage them to get support, whether that be by contacting their GP, seeing a therapist, or contacting a mental health charity. Remember to follow up with them. Checking in can help to demonstrate that you are truly there for them.

Taking Care of Yourself when Supporting Others

Supporting someone with a mental health problem can take an emotional toll on you as well. Therefore, it is essential that you take time to look after your own wellbeing during this time.

Be clear to set boundaries where needed, and make sure you take time for your own self-care and wellbeing needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with mental health organisations such as Mind if you feel you need advice on how to support someone whilst still protecting your own mental health.

Simple Daily Practices to Improve Your Mental Health

By introducing small habits into your daily routine, you can achieve a significant positive impact on your mental wellbeing. For example, Mindfulness is a powerful tool, which is easy to introduce. By taking a few moments each day to breathe deeply, focus on the present, or meditate can help to reduce anxiety and improve clarity.

Exercise

Endorphins (the body’s ‘feel good’ hormone) are other natural mood lifters which are released during physical activity. So regular mild exercise also increases happiness. Now, I don’t mean you have to suddenly start training to run a marathon or cycle a Gran Fondo! Simply getting outside for a walk, going for a bike ride or doing some easy stretching exercises can help to significantly reduce stress levels. Start with just 5 minutes a day when you wake up. Then, when that becomes a habit, extend it to 10 minutes, and keep on going until you feel comfortable in your exercise routine. The point is, it’s easier to start with a goal of 5 minutes, than it is to set a goal of running a 10k! Take the little wins and savour them, they’ll help to boost your confidence and self-esteem. Check out this post for some more exercise ideas.

Journaling

Another thing that helps me manage my thoughts and emotions is journaling. By spending a few minutes each day writing down my thoughts or documenting my experiences, goals, and achievements, helps me to reflect on my progress and celebrate my successes. There are many different types of journaling, but to begin with I’d suggest using a technique called ‘Stream of Consciousness Journaling’. This is just a fancy term for letting your mind run free and simply letting your thoughts flow out onto the page, without any editing or filtering. The idea is to write down whatever comes to mind, no matter how random or jumbled it may seem. This technique can be really beneficial if you’re looking to clear your mind, process your emotions and gain a deeper understanding of your thought patterns. It’s also a great way to practice self-reflection and get to know yourself better.

Mental Health First Aid and Seeking Professional Support

Mental Health First Aid courses are really good for helping to teach people how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and how to provide initial support. However, whilst self-care is an important factor in helping to maintain good mental health, so too is knowing when to ask for help from others. If you, or someone you know is struggling with persistent bouts of poor mental health, now is the time to reach out and seek professional help. Therapists, counsellors and your GP can help to develop a personalised guidance and treatment plan. Organisations like Mind, the Samaritans and the NHS offer free or discounted support, making help widely available.

Technology as a Mental Health Resource

There are many online tools available that can assist with mental health and wellbeing. Two of my favourite apps are Headspace and Calm, which offer guided meditation, mindfulness exercises and coping skills for anxiety and stress. There are also excellent resources from websites like Mental Health UK and Rethink Mental Illness which offer practical advice for a variety of mental health problems. And don’t forget the resources that are also available right here on this site. These are just a few of the resources available online that can help to enable you to take positive steps towards maintaining your mental wellbeing.

How Create a Supportive Mental Health Community

One of the most powerful ways that we have of maintaining good mental health, is a supportive community. No matter whether it’s online or in-person, having access to a community of like-minded  people, who understand or empathise with your mental health challenges, can go a long way to providing a strong sense of belonging. We should start out by reaching out to friends or family.

Also, why not check to see whether there are local groups where mental health is openly discussed. For example, Men’s Sheds, a movement that started out in Australia in the 1980s, and has now expanded to the United Kingdom, Ireland, the US, Canada, and New Zealand to name but a few countries. Men’s Sheds is a place where people can come together to make, repair and repurpose, whilst being a safe space where they can also talk through their mental health problems in a like-minded community.

There are many other communities and organisations, such as Mind and Mental Health UK, that also run support groups or online forums, that offer a similar safe space to share experiences and connect with others. Being part of a mental health community isn’t just about receiving support, it’s also about giving it, or paying it forward. By offering your time or simply providing a listening ear, you can make a huge contribution to someone’s life.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going, Beyond World Mental Health Day

As a both a content creator and mental health advocate, I firmly believe that World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to inspire our communities. Every little bit helps, whether it’s showing support by joining or promoting an event in person, online (or both), or posting about mental health on your social media channels. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation about mental health with those close to you. You never know, it can often open doors to deeper, more supportive relationships.

Together, let’s make a commitment beyond this one day. Why not reach out to someone today, whether it’s to offer your support, or to seek it yourself. Share this blog with your network to spread awareness, take a moment to explore the mental health tips and resources we’ve discussed, not only on other pages of this blog, but on websites such as Mind or Samaritans. Together, we can keep the conversation going, creating a positive and lasting change for mental health everywhere.

Whilst World Mental Health Day provides us with a moment to reflect and raise awareness, mental health deserves our attention every day; and each and every one of us has a role to play. Whether it’s checking in on a friend or loved one, advocating for better mental health education, or seeking support for our own struggles. By continuing the conversation and breaking down barriers, we can create a world where mental health care is normalised and accessible to everyone.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to offer it.

Mental health is a journey, not a destination.