There’s a noticeable shift in the conversation around men’s mental health, a sign of progress. The stark reality is that 79% of all suicides are men, translating to a staggering 100 men lost to suicide every day, as reported by Heads Up Guys. However, this growing awareness is a beacon of hope, signaling that change is underway.
Recognizing signs of depression in yourself can be challenging, and acknowledging that your mental health needs attention is a significant step. Seeking help may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that there are actionable steps you can take and changes you can make to support your journey toward better mental health. With the right support and determination, you can regain control and start enjoying life again.
Remove Addictions
Addiction isn’t easy to overcome; however, it can massively impact your mental health, and if you are struggling with relying on substances, for example, or you have gambling or even sex addiction, it impacts your behavior and state of mind to where these actions are no longer fun but compulsory and take over your life. Biting the bullet, holding your hands up, and admitting you have a problem are the hardest steps. But addiction rehab can help you take the next step to getting sober and help you manage your addiction so it doesn’t hold your life anymore.
Exercise
While it might seem exercise is over-emphasized in terms of mental health, there’s no denying that exercise can make you feel good. Those endorphins you experience, once you’ve worked up a sweat, can be a great release and give you some mental clarity to tackle your mental health. Exercise also helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem, all of which can contribute to better mental health. Ongoing exercise can provide you with an effective outlet to burn off some steam and work through your issues or just hope you come out of a dark place. Whether you play sports, go for a run, hit the gym, or do another form of exercise, don’t underestimate the benefits it can have.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the best things you can do to support your mental health. A regular sleep routine of around 7 to 9 hours per night can set you up for the day ahead and help you see things more clearly. Often, when people aren’t feeling great mentally, their sleep is disrupted, meaning they get too much or too little, but regulating your sleep and prioritizing it can help you feel better and ready to work on your mental health. Because when your sleep is disturbed or you’re sleep deprived, everything looks and feels more bleak, and that’s the last thing you want.
Get Social
Even if you’re not ready to discuss your feelings or mental health, simply being in the company of others can be beneficial. Humans are inherently social beings, and these connections can be a lifeline for your mental health. Just being around others can provide a boost or a much-needed pick-me-up. If you’re struggling more than you’d like, opening up to trusted individuals can provide the suppo