Prioritizing mental health in men: Practical steps for everyday care
Society has come a long way in recent years in understanding just how important mental health is for each one of us. In order for us to be full human beings, our mental, emotional, and physical health need to be cared for and maintained regularly.
Still, due to cultural and social norms, as well as personal biases and ideas, many men might feel like prioritizing their mental health isn’t as important as it actually is. Speaking from the perspective of a man, taking care of my mental health is something I had to learn over time to prioritize.
Here are a couple of approaches that have helped me:
Find someone to talk to.
Whether it’s a friend you really trust, a family member, or a mental health professional, finding someone with whom to share the ups and downs of your life is crucial to cultivating good mental health.
It may be surprising to know that you don’t need to be in any sort of crisis to benefit from talking to a therapist or any trusted person in your circle. Sharing everything from your deep truths to your everyday ups and downs with someone who has your best interest at heart is a powerful way to cultivate mental well-being.
Practice self-compassion.
In simple terms, self-compassion is the act of treating yourself the way that you would treat a dear friend or a loved one. And I’m lucky to say that a lot of men whom I’ve met are very skilled at being friends and companions to the people in their lives. They know how to show up, be understanding, advocate, and show compassion for the people they love.
With self-compassion, we’re taking these same skills and applying them to our own individual lives. What would you say to a friend who was experiencing the same mental, physical, and emotional experiences you are having right now? Whatever you would say to them, however, you would treat them, you can say and care for yourself in the same way. Making friends with yourself, as a man, is not only profound but revolutionary.
Prioritize your mental health today
Mental health is not one size fits all, nor is the state of our minds something that we can rely on to be predictable. Everything is always changing, including our moods, mental and physical states, and emotions. Actively taking care of our overall well-being, including mental health, can give us the gift of a happier, more fulfilled life.
As a man, I once thought that my mental health wasn’t important—until I found myself desperately needing to take care of my mind and my emotions in an intentional way. I encourage you not to let things get to a point where seeking out resources is a last resort. Rather, conduct regular mental maintenance and care care for your mind, the same way that you do for your body and the other important areas of your life.
Men, let’s maintain good mental health as if our lives depend on it. The reality is: They do.
