The month of June is men’s mental health awareness month and society’s attention is being brought again to the fact that men’s mental health should also be prioritized just like women’s.
For years, men have struggled with expressing their feelings and talking about their mental health in order not to appear ‘weak’. This toxic view of masculinity has led to many men experiencing depression and other mental health issues which they cannot or refuse to talk about. The results of this is that men hardly express their true feelings and emotions and are less likely to seek help even when they need it. As studies has shown, 44% of men are not willing to discuss their mental health. Therefore, it is very important that you learn how to take care of your mental health. In this blog, you will learn 6 ways you can take care of your mental health as a man.
1. Speak up: Whenever you are depressed or suffer from any mental health illness, do not be afraid to speak out and tell people about it. Talk to your family members, friends and family or talk to a therapist. Don’t suppress your emotions or internalize it. Your mental health matters and you must treat it as so. Speak openly about your emotions.
2. Ask for help from others: Your mental wellbeing matters so you should not be shy or embarrassed to seek help from others. It is okay to depend on others. Do not try to bear the burden alone or by yourself. Learn how to rely on your family and Partner. Society’s views that men should not rely on others is wrong and detrimental to your mental health.

Accept that it is okay to ask for assistance. Understand that it is okay to ask for help. Accept that it is okay to open yourself to others. Understand that it is okay to admit that you can’t do it alone.

3. Learn to strike a positive work-life balance: Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of men’s mental health issues is work. The need to prove themselves in line with society’s expectations that men are strong, dominant and can do all things is seriously affecting the mental health of the men in our society today. This is why many are so obsessed with their work and
have allowed it to consume them at the expense of their physical and mental wellbeing. It is therefore important that you learn to take breaks from your work. Take time for your self- care. Stop trying to meet society’s expectations at the risk of your own mental health.

4. Make positive lifestyle changes: A good way to prioritize your mental health as a man is to make healthy and beneficial lifestyle changes for yourself. Some of such lifestyle changes include:

  • Partaking in activities that helps you to relax like exercise, sports, meditation etc.
  • Getting quality sleep.
  • Stop or limit your use of alcohol and drugs.
  • Making healthy meal choices.

5. Cultivate healthy relationships: Surround yourself with people that truly care about your mental health. Move with people that support and respect your feelings and emotions. Move with people that validate your emotions not downplay them. Be with people that accept you and make it okay to for you to say ‘I am not fine.’
Reduce your interactions with people who say words that reflect toxic masculinity like: ‘Be a man.’ ‘Real men don’t cry.’ ”African men no dey cry.’

6. Talk to a therapist: Many men do not know how to be vulnerable. They are afraid to tell others about their feelings or emotions in order not to appear ‘weak’. Therefore, you may need the help of a therapist to guide you in expressing your feelings and being your most authentic self. Talking to a therapist would help you correct and overcome the effects of toxic mindsets and words you have heard for years.

Conclusion
Your mental health matters as a man. Do not allow society’s expectations and stereotypes limit or stop you from expressing your emotions and seeking help. At Mycarebuddy, we are passionate about men’s mental health. We are ready to listen to you and help you to take care of your mental health. Connect with us today