Mental health is a topic that is often swept under the rug in many societies. However, this is particularly true when it comes to men’s mental health. Men are often expected to be strong and not show any signs of vulnerability or weakness. This societal expectation creates a stigma around men’s mental health, which prevents many men from seeking the help they might need.
Check out more of our mental health awareness week blog posts
A few ways we can break the stigma around men’s mental health:
Education
One of the most effective ways to break the stigma around men’s mental health is through education. We need to educate people on what mental health is and how it affects people. Lets educate people on how to identify the signs of mental health issues. Futhermore, we need to support someone who is struggling with their mental health, and how to access help for themselves or their loved ones. Education resources can be found here.
Normalisation
Another way to break the stigma around men’s mental health is to normalise the conversation around it. Therefore, we need to create safe spaces where men can talk openly and honestly about their mental health. Lets normalise seeking help for mental health issues, just as we would seek help for physical health issues.
Representation
Representation is critical when it comes to breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. We need to see more men in the public eye talking about their mental health struggles and showing that it is okay to ask for help. This can help to break down the perception that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness.
Tyson Fury opened up about his struggle with depression a couple of years ago. Which has opened up the conversation about men’s mental health. He spoke to Holly and Phillip from This Morning about how he had been suffering with depression. He seeked professional help which has changed his life.
Empathy
Finally, we need to approach men’s mental health with empathy. We need to understand that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and that seeking help is a brave and courageous step. We need to provide a safe and supportive environment for men to seek help for their mental health issues, without fear of judgement or stigma.
What we do as a company
At Athena Healthcare Group, we ensure that we have men’s grooming days and specific activities that allow men to open up. Just being able to sit and have a chat with someone can really make a difference to the way someone might be feeling.
Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health will take time. But it is a critical step in creating a healthier and more compassionate society. We all have a role to play in breaking down the barriers that prevent men from seeking the help they need. Let’s start the conversation and support each other on the journey to better mental health.
We are here for you and your care home needs.Get in touch via email hello@ahcg.co.uk or give us a call on 01704 53 53 53.
