International Men's Health Week 2024

International Men's Health Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to seek help. This year, it will run from Monday 10^th to Sunday 16^th June 2024.

Mental health awareness in men is critically important due to the unique challenges and societal pressures they face.

Research indicates that men are generally less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women, often due to cultural expectations that stigmatise vulnerability and emotional expression in men. This can lead to serious consequences, including higher rates of suicide among men, who are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

The Stigma Surrounding Men's Mental Health

The stigma surrounding men's mental health is a direct result of toxic masculinity. Men are often shamed or ridiculed for displaying vulnerability or discussing their emotional struggles. Phrases like "man up" and "boys don't cry" reinforce the idea that men must remain stoic and self-reliant at all times. This stigma creates barriers to seeking help, leading many men to suffer in silence.

Challenging Toxic Masculinity and Reducing Stigma

To break the cycle of toxic masculinity and reduce the stigma surrounding men's mental health, society must take several crucial steps:

• Promote Healthy Masculinity: Redefine masculinity to include qualities such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability. Encourage men to embrace a broader understanding of what it means to be masculine.
• Encourage Open Conversations: Create safe spaces where men can discuss their mental health without fear of judgment. Encourage open dialogue about emotional well-being in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• Normalise Seeking Help: Reduce the stigma associated with seeking professional mental health support. Promote mental health resources and make them accessible to men from all walks of life.
• Lead by Example: Encourage public figures, celebrities, and community leaders to share their own experiences with mental health. When men in positions of influence discuss their struggles openly, it helps to break down the stigma.
• Educate and Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about the dangers of toxic masculinity and its impact on men's mental health. Advocate for education that challenges harmful stereotypes and promotes mental health literacy.

Tips to support your mental health

Embracing change and learning to cope with it positively can improve your mental health, increase your resilience, and help you lead a more balanced life.

Here are some tips to help you cope with change effectively. The Men’s Health Network has also put together a handy digital toolkit to guide you through the awareness week.

Understanding change

Change happens to everyone. It can be a new job, a breakup, moving house, or even a shift in how you see yourself. Change can feel scary, but it also offers a chance to grow and learn. The first step in coping with change is to accept that it’s a normal part of life.

Acknowledge your feelings

It's okay to have feelings like anxiety, sadness, or confusion when things change. Ignoring these feelings can make things worse. Instead, let yourself feel and understand your emotions. This helps you deal with them in a healthy way.

Seek support

You don’t have to go through change alone. Talking to friends, family, or a mental health professional can help. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can give you new perspectives and make dealing with change easier.

Maintain routine and self-care

Keeping a routine can help you feel more in control. Stick to regular activities like exercise, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Doing things you enjoy can also reduce stress. A routine gives you stability when everything else feels uncertain.

Focus on adaptability

Try to be flexible and open-minded when facing change. See challenges as chances to learn and grow. Being adaptable means you can adjust your plans when needed, which can reduce stress and help you handle new situations better.

Set realistic expectations

Give yourself time to adjust to change. It’s okay to take things slow and go at your own pace. Celebrate small successes along the way. Setting achievable goals can help you feel accomplished and keep you motivated.

Practise mindfulness and stress management

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay calm and focused. These practices can reduce stress and help you stay present, rather than worrying about the future or the past.

Seek professional help if needed

If dealing with change feels overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counsellor. They can offer tools and support to help you manage your feelings and build resilience. Professional help can make a big difference in how you cope with major changes.