As we make our way through the month of November, we are reminded of the importance of men’s mental health. Due to social norms, people who identify as male or a man are less likely to pursue treatment for their mental health. Therefore, it is especially crucial to dedicate time to recognize the importance of speaking about this topic.
Have you ever heard of the saying, “cry like a girl”? This is a prime example of how society associates feeling and expressing emotions with females. While females do tend to experience emotions more strongly than men due to utilization of a higher number of brain areas with mirror neurons, this surely does not mean that males don’t. Stereotypes created and enforced by society play a role in the decreased likelihood of men to care and seek help for their mental health. Typical gender roles have instilled in us the idea that men should be tough, strong, and act as if they do not have emotions. Not only do these thoughts negatively impact the mental health of men as they may feel weak for having emotions, which is completely natural and healthy, but it also deters them from pursuing help.
It’s important to take time out of the day and assess your mental health occasionally to be proactive in keeping a healthy mind. According to a website provided by PennMedicine, this assessment can include genuinely asking yourself how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally. An increase in stress, worried feelings, or other challenging emotions should be especially noted. Physical symptoms of mental health issues could include headaches, stomach aches, changes in appetite, etc. Another helpful self-assessment tool is to ask yourself what has been worrying you lately. Reflecting on this and identifying stressors can help with managing them. In addition, ensuring you are providing your body with its basic needs can be a good way to check in on your mental health. This could be eating the right foods, getting up and moving around, getting enough sleep, etc.
A male senior here at St. Lawrence explains that to care for his mental health, he takes advantage of the local Grasse River, Little River, and Oswegatchie River and goes fishing. He describes the experience as a time when he feels grounded and is able to be alone with his thoughts. This allows him to get away from the stress of school while exploring the beautiful North Country. Specifically, fly fishing is helpful to him as a method of self-care because it has a meditative stroke, giving him a sense of calm and balance. In addition, reading about fishing helps him escape from stress when he cannot get outside.
Being aware of the health of your mind is extremely important as it impacts how we think and act. Societal norms often deter men from acknowledging any mental health issues as well as getting help – which is why it is so important to be talked about. Taking active steps to check in on your mental health as well as seek treatment if needed are crucial.