Why is it challenging for men to talk about mental health?
When it comes to mental health, guys often feel like they're walking on eggshells. It's not that we don't want to talk about our feelings, it's just that we've been taught that it's not manly to do so which makes it pretty uncomfortable. But here's the thing, talking about mental health is not a "touchy feely" kind of thing. It's a necessary skill that all men need to develop, especially as male suicide rates continue to rise and our roles in society are changing rapidly.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like you would go to the doctor if you had a broken arm, you should also seek help if you're struggling with your mental health. It's not something to be ashamed of, and it's not something that you should try to tough out on your own. The idea of "I'll just deal with it" or "I'll handle it" is literally killing us.
What are the barriers?
One of the biggest barriers that men face when it comes to talking about mental health is the fear of being judged. The reality is, everyone goes through difficult times, and no one is immune to mental health issues. It's not a sign of weakness to talk about your feelings, and seeking help is a sign of strength. At the end of the day if someone judges you for trying to take care of yourself then they probably don't have your best interests in mind and they can kick rocks.
Another barrier that men face is the belief that talking about mental health is "feminine." Although it can definitely feel that way, I think we can change this perception and feeling with some word path adjustments. Mental health issues affect men and women alike, and there's no reason why men shouldn't be able to talk about their feelings just as openly as women do. In fact, men often experience mental health issues differently than women, and it's important for us to have our own conversation about it. It's also important to remember that when we talk about mental health, we're not just talking about "big" issues like depression and anxiety. It's also about the small things that we might be going through, like feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and family or feeling like we're just not good enough.
Helpful Terminology
Circling back to the idea of changing our word paths to feel more "normal" when talking about mental health I'd like to share some terminology that I've personally utilized and feel comfortable with. None of this is Earth shattering but, for me, I've been able to recognize these types of terms as mental health oriented and it's helped me to feel less stigma surrounding the conversation.
"That bummed me out."
"That had me hot/pissed/frustrated as hell"
"I'm down bad"
"That's a hot button for me"
"That rubbed me the wrong way"
"You're really pushing my buttons"
Again, none of these phrases are unique to me and you've likely all thought or spoken them. What I've found value in was recognizing them as being associated with emotions and with mental health. In acknowledging that, I feel way more normal talking about my mental health because it just feels like a regular conversation.
Action Steps
So, how can we start talking about mental health? For starters, it's important to find a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. This could be with a friend, family member, or therapist. It's also important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so be open to trying different things to see what works best for you. If you're not comfortable talking to someone face-to-face, you might find it helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or blog. You could also look for online support groups where you can connect with other men who are going through similar things. Online options help with anonymity for anyone who's still battling the stigma of talking about their mental health.
It's also important to build self-awareness and learning to identify when you're not feeling your best. A lot of guys tend to "power through" not feeling well mentally just like they do with aggravating shoulder pain or back issues. Once you're aware of how you're feeling, you can take steps to address the problem.
Wrapping things up
It's important to keep in mind that talking about mental health is not a one-time conversation. It's something that should be ongoing, just like taking care of your physical health. It's also important to do things that you want to do regularly, it can be as simple as going for a walk, listening to music, or taking a few minutes to relax. Self-care is important dudes. As our society changes, we need to change as well. Talking about our mental health is not a sign of weakness but of strength, it's a necessary skill we all need to develop. Remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it's okay to ask for help when we need it. It's time to break the stereotype that talking about mental health is not manly, Let's start the conversation and take care of ourselves, and each other.
In the end, it's important to remember that talking about mental health is a necessary step towards overall well-being, and it's not something that you should be ashamed of. Reach out for help when you need it, build self-awareness and always try to improve your overall well-being. You are not alone and it's okay to not be okay. Most importantly remember to go make a positive impact today. Let's keep working to destigmatize men's mental health, initiate the conversation, and encourage people to get help who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or any of the other host of mental health issues plaguing our communities. Thanks for taking the time to read.
John
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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