This is a heartfelt post for men.
I have witnessed and experienced personally and professionally how many men from different backgrounds experience mental health/psychological difficulties and sometimes don’t even realise it. Sometimes, they can’t face the reality of their difficulties. Sometimes, the knowing of difficulties is there, but not knowing what to do next.
I have seen it in the form of being depressed, anxious, difficulties in one’s identity, issues with confidence and self esteem, feeling uncertain or unsure, worrying a lot, drinking, smoking cigarettes, taking illicit drugs, working in excess, and difficulties managing emotions. To recognise these experiences and patterns requires self awareness and courage. To self help requires even more courage and strength.
My doctoral thesis many many years ago was on South Asian men’s mental health. Years on I still feel passionate and empowered to raise aware of the importance of everyone’s mental health, but specifically men as I recognise the barriers to accessing help at so many levels.
I hope we all, not just men can go deeper in our thinking about our mental health without fear, anxiety, shame, embarrassment and stigma. For men to let go of the stereotypes and ideas of how men ‘should’ be, feel, think and cope and just be themselves. If that means showing vulnerability as a human and getting support, that’s ok. Do what you need to better your health and experiences.
I’ve worked in the NHS many years and have my own private practice and what I’ve seen first hand is that change is possible. I’ve worked with men in therapy and never has a client not benefited. We all have potential to change.
Life is short, let’s all look after ourselves physically and mentally.