Did you know that the Monday preceding Father’s Day is traditionally the start of International Men’s Health Week?
This year, MHW runs from Monday, June 12 through Sunday, June 18, which is Father’s Day.
What is the aim of Men’s Health Week you might ask, Men’s Health Week strives to raise awareness of men’s avoidable health issues, regardless of their age. to promote the early identification and treatment of health issues.
‘The Picture of Health’ is the MHW topic for Ireland this year. What does that look like to you, the organisation has asked men (and those who support the health of men)? We frequently establish unattainable or ridiculous goals. However, everyone is being urged to make it a point to improve the health of men this year.
The Public Health Agency and the Health Service Executive Health and Wellbeing will provide funding for Men’s Health Week in Ireland in 2023. Most of us experience strain on our well being as a result of the rising cost of living. It’s also possible that we are struggling to pay our rent or mortgage because we are unable to pay our expenses and loan repayments. We might have had to borrow to get by.
Men’s Health Week and Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation estimates that one in eight males suffer from a common mental health condition such stress, worry, or depression. These issues may worsen if ignored, which would be harmful to the people involved. Current statistics emphasise this; for instance, in the UK, 3 out of 4 suicides are by men. Additionally, the leading cause of death for men under 45 is suicide. These figures highlight the significance of eradicating the stigma associated with men’s mental health and encouraging men to reach out, discuss their issues, and seek treatment.
It is no secret that there is a stigma associated with men’s mental health, and tragically some men still feel awkward talking about their issues in public. Recent data shows that 40% of males avoid discussing their mental health with friends or family. As a result, a lot of people endure suffering in silence. In spite of increased awareness programmes, there is still a need to support men in feeling confident enough to talk about their mental health.
There might not always be obvious indications that you’re having a significant problem and not just a poor day. There may be more going on if you feel as though your life satisfaction has decreased or if you frequently feel the need to be by yourself. The following are some of the typical warning signs and symptoms of mental illness:
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Noticeable changes in mood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Constant low energy
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Ignoring personal hygiene
Men frequently experience embarrassment or awkwardness while discussing their mental health. The most courageous thing you can do, though, is to address the situation now, before it worsens. You are not by yourself. Many other people are experiencing the same feelings and are scrambling to come up with the best coping mechanism.
The following are some tips we have complied in order to cope with these feelings;
Get active
Exercise is not only beneficial for our physical health, but it may also have a significant positive impact on our mental health. Regular exercise encourages the release of endorphins, which contribute to a positive mood.
Set out and explore
Enjoying nature, whether for recreation or fitness, can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Take up a new hobby
By engaging in a hobby, you can exercise and challenge your intellect. When our minds are challenged, they frequently shift their attention away from the unfavourable things we frequently linger on, which can result in poor mental health.
Read
Your mental health may benefit from keeping your mind engaged. When our mental health is compromised, we have a propensity to linger on the negative, which can set off a vicious cycle. Reading allows us to discover new worlds, narratives, and characters, whether it is in fiction or nonfiction. This can aid us in avoiding obsessively revisiting those negative ideas.
It is crucial to keep in mind that those who need it most can access FREE expert assistance;
Aware – An organisation for those who are directly affected by depression and offers a helpline (ROI) – Aware – (Northern Ireland).
Pieta House – An organisation which provides a suicide prevention and self-harm hotline and text line.
Samaritans – Confidential and non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for those who are experiencing distress or despair.
