Personal Support Systems for Men's Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet men often face barriers when it comes to seeking help and building a support system. The statistic that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women and make up 80% of suicide deaths despite only being 49% of the population, highlights the importance of building a support system for men's mental health. In this article, we will explore two core components of a support system that an individual can make a priority. Society as a whole and organizations also need to play critical roles in helping men prioritize their mental health but today, we're focusing on what an individual can to build a foundation for themselves.
The Importance of Family and Friends in a Support System
The process of creating a support network for your mental health is continual and demands effort and dedication. Men can develop their own support network in a number of ways. Making discussions about mental health with family and close friends a normal thing is an important first step. Keep in mind that these don't have to be hour long conversations but mentioning something in the week that "bummed you out" or something that "had you heated" can open the door to have discussions about things that make us sad or angry without having to feel weird for bringing it up. This can help men feel more comfortable talking about their feelings and emotions, and it can also help lessen the stigma associated with men's mental health difficulties. If you bring those things up to your friends, they'll feel more comfortable doing the same with you which, in the end, will be a cornerstone of your personal support network for mental health.
The Importance of Therapy and Resources for Budget Concerns
Men can take another step by going to therapy or counseling. If you're on the fence about therapy because it's too "touchy feely" do yourself a favor and go checkout the site at Mantherapy.org. Those folks have done a great job of breaking away from traditional stigmas of therapy and utilize terminology that men are generally more comfortable with. Men who are dealing with mental health concerns might receive direction and assistance from a qualified therapist or counselor.
For men who might feel like they don't have adequate resources to go to therapy I'd encourage you to look into community mental health centers, employee assistance programs, and university counseling centers. There are several low to no cost options out there to provide some help and get a productive conversation started. As referenced in an article entitled, "5 Long-Term Benefits of Therapy" from Davidhoy.com, therapy can help you learn coping skills, help you learn to interact with people in a more productive way, can help you feel happier, lead to increased productivity, and reduce chronic stress. There are a ton of benefits to therapy, and we've got to stop being uncomfortable going because we've been told since we were kids that men don't talk about feelings. Let's kill that stigma so we can live more productive, and enjoyable lives.
You are Your Own Greatest Advocate
Building a support system for men's mental health is crucial for guys to maintain their mental well-being. By creating those conversations with family and close friends, seeking therapy or counseling, and utilizing resources like community mental health centers, employee assistance programs, and university counseling centers, men can build a solid support network. Most of you have seen me talk about how therapy isn't something to be ashamed of, and there are low to no cost options available for those on a budget. I can't stress that point enough and honestly feel like it can be a lifesaving element of support for men who are struggling with mental health. By breaking down the stereotypes and stigmas associated with men's mental health, we can create an environment where men feel comfortable seeking help and prioritizing their mental health. The Lockman Lounge and other organizations can play an important role in supporting men as they build support systems, but ultimately, it is up to each individual man to take the steps necessary to build a strong foundation of support for their mental health. There's no time like the present to start taking those steps. Make sure to do something positive in the world today for you or for others and thank you for reading.
John
About the Author:
John Lockman is passionate about promoting men's mental health. Having lost a family member to suicide at an early age, he is committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate number of men affected by this devastating issue. Through his own personal experiences and his website, www.thelockmanlounge.com, John hopes to help men think differently about how to prioritize their well-being and become more comfortable acknowledging and processing their feelings in a healthy way.
In addition to his passion for mental health advocacy, John also has almost two decades of experience in the business world. Most recently, he oversaw roughly 100 million dollars of annual revenue and was responsible for managing a team of 75 employees. In this role, John had a significant impact on customer service, profitability, employee retention, and marketplace growth. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, John is a seasoned professional with valuable insights to share.
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