June is Men’s Health Month. AllHealth Network’s Javier Acosta from the Community Engagement Team discusses the stigma men face when seeking mental health services or support, and how it can affect many different aspects of life.
Many men experience hesitation when faced with the topic of mental health. Don’t worry – you are not alone. We might feel hesitations from ingrained societal norms that compare masculinity with strength and self-reliance, leaving us little room for acknowledging vulnerability or seeking help when it’s needed. It can be challenging for men to understand the importance of mental health, expressing emotions, or requesting support.
Overall
It’s hard to change societal norms, but there are so many ways men can benefit from maintaining good mental health. Most obviously is the improvement in your overall well-being. Prioritizing mental health can boost energy levels, improve focus, and makes room for resilience (bounce back) in the face of adversity.
Relationships
Practicing wellness can improve relationships. Being able to tap into yourself creates a well-rounded emotional personality. Higher emotional intellect allows openness and empathy to contribute to a deeper and more fulfilling connection with the ones you love.
Physical health
Additionally, maintaining your mental health can positively impact your physical health. The two affect each other regularly, which means stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to physical illness and a poor immune system. Health is health, and we should be aware of how it interconnects. Facing mental health gives us the potential to expand our quality of life and for longer, too.
Privacy
There are many ways to practice mental health without feeling self-conscious. Whether it’s reading, hiking, painting, or any other activity, it is essential to have an outlet for stress. Building emotional self-awareness and coping with stress with mindfulness/mental health activities can be done privately. Therapy or counseling doesn’t have to be a public matter. Men can ask for help personally, and online options allow for more privacy. We have to remember that reaching out for help and focusing on mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of strength. Breaking away from outdated stereotypes and focusing on wellbeing benefits not just men as individuals but their families, friends, and society as a whole.
