How can Men Improve Mental Health?

With the rise of mental health importance awareness since the past few years, it still often gets ignored, misunderstood, neglected or brushed under the rug for males. The reasons are pretty clear, like patriarchy still being followed in many parts of the world, societal norms and myths regarding male and men often being attached to more of physical health because of the role set by society for them of being a protector and tough gender. 

Society has made or encouraged males to be stoic, self- reliant and unemotional, which seems like a general thing at the start when a person is a kid but these roles affect the man’s mental health in the long run. Being told to be tough and strong and not to cry for years makes it difficult for men to seek help and rely on someone at times of crises and problems. 

What can change this situation is a bit of mental health awareness among people and especially among men and also assurance to them that they too are humans and can break and need help from time to time. 

Why Men’s Mental Health Needs Attention

The statistics done globally every year shows that men are most likely less to suffer or affected from anxiety or depression than females. However, there is also the other side of the coin that says men are also most likely less to seek help when they are actually suffering from some health issues, especially mental health issues. This statement ca be justified by another statistics that shows the recorded of suicide between males and females globally shows significantly higher rate of suicide commit by males than females.

Therefore, even though it often looks like males deal better with mental health issues than females, it is not exactly the truth. Men are suffering too and most of the time stays hidden from the truth. 

How Men Can Improve Their Mental Health- Tips and Ways to Achieve a Calm Living

Start by Acknowledging How You Feel

The first step toward better mental health is simple but powerful: pay attention to your emotions. Feeling sad, anxious, tired, or angry all the time isn’t something to tough out. Emotions are signals, they tell you when something needs attention.

The first step to address this issue is to start to recognise and accept them. Name what you are feeling, stressed, anxious, agitated, etc. Acceptance is the key to take a step towards change and betterment. 

Move Your Body, Change Your Mind

Doing physical activities like exercising, yoga, cycling, swimming, etc., acts like antidepressants for the body and mind. They release endorphins, improves sleep, reduces anxiety, boosts self- esteem and relaxes the mind. 

Improve Your Sleep Game

Poor sleep is often a major contributor to mental health struggles, yet it’s frequently overlooked. Sleep affects everything, your mood, focus, stress levels, and even how well your brain processes emotions. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night and make sure it is continuous and in a relaxed environment. 

Build Meaningful Connections

Men often have fewer close relationships than women, but strong social connections are key to mental well-being. You don’t need a large circle, just a few genuine relationships where you can be yourself. Quality matters more than quantity. One real friend who listens is better than ten acquaintances.

Watch What You Consume—Mentally & Physically

What you consume and not just food or diet, what you see, listen and talk about, all of this affects you both physically and mentally. News, social media, alcohol, junk food, highly processed food, etc. 

What needs to be changed here is your consumption of all of this. Eat healthy, build a disciplined lifestyle, see positive and informative content, avoid doom- scrolling. 

Talk About It—Even If It Feels Awkward

Most of the time society puts the logo of man up whenever a man cries or talks about his problems and feelings. This leads to males choosing silence over talking their feelings out and suffering alone and within their own self. 

It is difficult to say, but as a man, if you can find friends or a partner who is there to support and listen to you and make you feel heard and understood, do take a step and go tell them what you feel. Just talking out your feelings and emotions solve half of the problem the way you can not even imagine. 
However, not everyone has that person they can talk openly with, in this case you can go to a General Practitioner Men’s Health or seek proper therapy from a psychologist or psychiatrist, who will help you and guide towards the path of betterment.