Mental Health Tips for Men: 7 Important Things to Know

Understanding the Importance of Mental Health in Men

In most African cultures, there is a social expectation that men should not show weakness, emotions, or pain; hence, they suppress them.

According to the WHO, a study conducted in the recent past shows that over 35% of men of African descent are likely to suffer from one or the other mental health disorder in their lifetime, and only about 20% of them will seek the services of a professional. 

This trend, however, results in negative coping styles such as substance use, anger, or withdrawal. 

It only gets worse when men are encouraged to be strong and not to express themselves as they are doing so, which only makes them weak. 

To be very honest, it is essential to understand here that mental health issues are not indicative of weakness.

The male gender must accept that they have emotions and try to improve their psychological well-being. Failure to address emotional suffering can have severe chronic effects. 

7 Mental Health Tips for Men

Here are seven essential mental health tips for men that can help promote emotional well-being and create a more balanced lifestyle: 

1. Talk About Your Feelings:

It’s not a weakness to talk about your emotions; it’s a strength. When you speak to someone, it could be your friend, family member, or even a therapist; it can help you to let off steam in a healthy manner. 

The different studies indicate that male individuals who discuss issues to do with mental health are 40% more likely to benefit from the same. 

It is not necessary to discuss anything heavier at the beginning; even the stories of daily events can help to alleviate the pressure of the emotional load.

It is essential to have this dialogue. At the same time, it can seem strange to Africans to talk about their feeling so directly; having a platform for such conversations can eliminate prejudices and improve the situation with male mental health. 

2. Prioritize Physical Health Balance

The well-being of a person’s body is intertwined with the well-being of the person’s mind. Regular exercise helps not only your physical health but also your mental condition. 

Research data suggest that exercise can cut down the intensity of depressive and anxious signs by up to 25%. 

One of the most power mental health tips for men is Regular workout and Exercise. Exercise or physical activities isn’t just good for your body; it’s a powerful tool for boosting mental health.

Physical activity such as walking, jogging, or kicking a football with friends can go a long way. The key is consistency. 

Exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, and promotes mental health. Therefore, when one engages in physical training, they are also conscious of their mental well-being. 

3. Manage Stress Effectively 

Stress has become a part of life today, especially for the African man juggling his workplace, family, and culture. Stress management is crucial in preserving one’s mental health. 

Stress can be financial, work-related, or even family-related, but it does not have to stress you out. 

It is vital to make an effort to include some form of relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, into your day. All these methods have been scientifically proven to reduce stress. 

Taking just five minutes of your day to do a breathing exercise or meditation can provide a positive feeling and enable you to deal with stress. 

4. Limit Alcohol and Substance Use

Stress is often managed through alcohol and drugs in society, and this is unhealthy for society. It may give a temporary solution, but the use of substances might lead to dependency and further deterioration of mental health. 

According to the WHO, substance abuse stands out as the most significant cause of mental health issues among African men. 

It is essential to abstain from alcohol and drugs as they cause poor attitude, lack of concentration, and poor health. 

The unhealthy way to deal with stress is through substances, but it is possible to avoid this by engaging in healthier activities such as exercises, hobbies, or friends and family. 

5. Stay Connected with Loved Ones 

Humans need friends and families with whom to talk and share their feelings of sadness, anger, and experiences. 

Close-knit connections between family, friends, and colleagues support and help avoid loneliness and the risk of depression. 

Men may experience a lack of these connections because of the stigma of masculinity and the requirement to be strong and independent, but the presence of a robust support system is the key. 

Studies show that male folks with healthy relationships are half as likely to suffer from mental health problems than socially isolated ones.

Being in touch with friends and family and ensuring one gets time for social interaction is very healthy for the mind. 

6. Recognize the Signs of Mental Health Struggles

One of the most essential pieces of advice on maintaining good mental health in men is knowing when things are not well.

The first symptoms of mental disorders may be such conditions as an increased sense of sadness, irritability, fatigue, and a lack of interest in activities that you used to enjoy. 

These may be slight feelings, but they can be signs of mental crisis. 

The common symptoms that men experience they tend to think it is just stress, but if this is noticed early, it may not turn into anxiety or depression. 

If these feelings last more than two weeks, then it is time to do something about it. 

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed

It is not a sign of weakness to seek assistance from a professional. Admitting that you need help and talking to someone about it is one of the most courageous things in this world. 

A licensed therapist or happiness counselor can help an individual deal with complicated feelings and devise ways of coping with mental disorders. 

This is because, in most African societies, seeking help for mental illness is considered uncomfortable due to the stigma that is associated with it. But therapy shows how to navigate through the emotional hard times, decrease stress, and thus improve the quality of life and be comfortable. 

If you are still unsure where to turn to, there is no shortage of mental health services throughout Africa, and many of these services, particularly in large urban areas, are equipped to work among men. 

Taking Care of Your Mental Health is Just as Important as Your Physical Health

Having a healthy mind is an essential aspect of living a healthy life.

There is nothing wrong with taking care of your mental health because it shows that you are strong enough to do so. It is okay to be weak, ask for assistance when one cannot handle things independently, and put one’s health first. 

The above mental health tips for men are a commitment to you and the people you interact with in improving your mental health.

Let’s draw the curtain here…

It’s high time you started giving the same amount of importance to your mental and physical health.

This means that instead of disregarding these problems, which only worsen, you can follow these tips for men and lead a healthier emotional life. 

Do not procrastinate until you feel like getting moving because it will only get worse. 

What is preventing you from giving medical importance to your mental health? Have you tried talking to a friend, or do you plan on consulting a professional? 

You are never too old to start taking care of your mental health, and every single action you make will lead you to a new, happier you. 

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At Enthusiast Express, we know the difficulties and obstacles African men face regarding mental health. 

Our community has been established to offer the help and tools men require to succeed. Whether you need to get advice from a professional, hear a personal experience from a fellow human being, or talk to an expert on the phone, Enthusiast Express is here to assist you in empowering yourself with your health. 

Sign up today for Enthusiast Express and learn how to become healthier and happier. Be prepared with the knowledge and assistance you need to face any difficulty.