Men, it’s important to take care of your mental health (sooner rather than later)
Men and mental health is a topic that often goes ignored, but understanding its link to stress and depression is vital for your overall wellbeing. Mental health issues can creep up on you. One day you’re okay, the next, inexplicably sad. Let’s explore how stress and depression can touch on your mental health. It’s important not to ignore the signs.
Quick Read:
- Almost everyone experiences stress in their daily lives. Left unchecked, it could lead to depression.
- Stress and depression often manifest silently, and if you ignore the signs, these issues can soon make it difficult for you to function.
- There’s always help to improve your mental health; please break the silence and ask for support!
Understanding how stress and depression affects men
While many of us share common factors that influence our mental health, not all men and women experience the same feelings related to stress and depression. For some, the weight can feel overwhelming; constant pressure that affects every part of your life. This is what chronic stress feels like – big, consistent, and too much to manage. It can build from daily life; work, family, finances, and leave you feeling anxious, worried and scared.
Depression, on the other hand, is draining and can make even the smallest of tasks seem impossible. The problem is, if you continue to live with the stress, it may soon lead to depression, where you start to struggle to even function at all.
It’s important to know that these feelings are not a weakness or a failure. Stress and depression are common to many people, including men, whose mental health often goes unchecked. Understanding stress and depression begins with compassion for yourself and others. You are not alone in this journey, and there is hope and help available.
The man who has no time to take care of his health will soon have to make time for illness. – Yoruba Proverb
What stress and depression feel like
- Physical aches and pains, headaches, tiredness, or an increase/decrease in appetite.
- Mood swings, irritation, angry outbursts, feeling “numb”.
- Drinking or smoking excessively, feeling isolated from others, using work to bury your feelings.
- Anger or frustration. You get easily annoyed or angry over small things.
- Harmful behaviour, like driving recklessly, gambling, or engaging in unsafe habits.
- Feeling exhausted all the time despite getting enough sleep.
When it comes to men and mental health, there’s long been a sentiment that men must be “strong” and keep things to themselves. However, depression is something that you must face head-on. It’s important to move past ideas like, “Real men don’t cry” or “Man up” – these are harmful and toxic! Suppressing your emotions can lead down a dangerous path.
Men, improve your mental health right now:
Share your feelings with a friend, partner, or even a therapist if it’s possible. Don’t underestimate the value of talk therapy; it can help immensely to explain how you feel to someone who cares. Not comfortable talking to your friends or relatives? Reach out to an organisation like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). They are equipped to help you and you can remain anonymous. https://www.sadag.org/
Life is a journey, not a marathon. Not everything needs to be fixed or solved right this minute. Remember that in tough moments. The important thing is to just keep taking small steps toward progress. With that said, what can you fix right now? If it’s a negative work situation that’s bringing you down, take action on how to deal with it. Even just writing out a list of possible solutions can make a world of difference.
Before stress leads to depression, make it a priority to find ways to self-soothe. Not everyone’s suited to meditation or yoga, and that’s okay. Maybe you will respond better to exercise or listening to music when stressed. Find your best stress management technique and use it when you need it.
Remember
There may still be a stigma around men and mental health, but you’re not alone in this. Stress and depression can happen to anyone. Talking about it isn’t just brave — it’s the first step toward healing. Let’s change the narrative around men and mental health. Share your thoughts, ask questions, or just listen. Let’s talk, guys.
Images: Freepik
