This Movember, Let’s Talk About Men’s Mental Health Awareness

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Did you know globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide? In Australia itself, 75% of suicides are men but now it’s time to change these statistics. It’s time to have an honest conversation about mental health. The following details may be extremely shocking but they are true

  • Men are twice as likely to die because of drug use than women
  • Male deaths by alcohol abuse-related causes are twice than females

Today almost 65% of the male population in our country is struggling mentally and they don’t take any serious steps about it. There are ample of complex reasons on why someone would be facing mental health issues. A range of psychological, physical and environmental factors contribute to the stress. Some of the known factors are social background, physical health, a family history of mental illness, alcohol and drug consumption, childhood and family stability, economic factors like unemployment and even genes are something that plays a huge part in one’s mental health. In addition to this, many men are reluctant to talk or see someone about their concerns. They feel as it is somehow a sign of weakness and they’ll be judged by their friends and family. There is, however, more research and evidence proving the fact that support programs could actually make a huge difference to men if they have specific needs, preferences and strengths. So now the biggest question that arises is how do we support change? Here is a list of things that can be done for men’s mental health awareness.

  • Try out New Support Ways
  • Try out a New Message
  • Men Specific Support Style
  • Change the Environment
  • Go Beyond Traditional

Try out New Support Ways

Today, it is time to go beyond the common ways of counselling. In the world of professional mental health care, there has been a steady change in the way counselling is provided. Phone counselling services, online and even other digital services about men’s mental health and it’s awareness are becoming popular. These options are very popular for those who could do with support but are reluctant for the ‘face-to-face’ and ‘on the couch’ option.

Try out a New Message

Just talking about your feelings is old school, but if a counseller talks about things like goals and what are the challenges faced and what are the best solutions, it can help a lot. Also instead of using “suffering from mental health issues”, if one refers to something like “mental fitness”, it can have a huge impact. It can change the way one feels about mental health.

Men Specific Support Style

Men and women communicate differently and therefore incorporating men specific support style in as simple as communication can go a long way. One of the ways to do this is “shoulder to shoulder” style communication. This communication style suits men better as eye contact is usually minimised and serious discussions tend to happen smoothly. The best example of a ‘shoulder to shoulder’ communication can be when two people are watching sports, gaming or fishing. You may be amazed to know that small but significant things can improve communication and prove to be a hit when it comes to men’s mental health.

Change the Environment

Better environment drives men to open up and be receptive to support. A conversation that touches on things like emotions and mental health is more effective if it takes place in a ‘friendly’ or a familiar environment.

Go Beyond Traditional

Today, managing men’s mental health needs professionals to go the extra mile. The mental health profession needs to look beyond the traditional ways in which support is delivered. New and innovative ways of providing support will make it easier for men to get the assistance they need.

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candour and more unashamed conversation – Glenn Close.”

Men need to know that a part of being strong is to have the courage to seek help when they need it instead of silently suffering. It’s time we start talking.

What Ayurveda Can Offer:

Ayurveda a complete holistic medical system, which provides a complete health care approach for men’s health. The concept of Vajeekarna and rasyana chikista was well described in Charaka Chikista Stathana (Ayurvedic book).

For more information on how you can benefit from following Ayurvedic diet and kiddy style principles kindly contact us at info@jeevahealth.com.au or ring us at 03 9939 9474
The information provided in this article for education purpose only, for professional help kindly contact Ayurvedic practitioner or email us.