The Mental Health Foundation reminds us that November was Men’s Mental Health Month. And that the need to talk is always ongoing. But men, in particular, find it difficult to admit to being stressed and conversing with others about mental health issues.
So here are sixteen tips they feel will help. This follows a ‘survey’ they carried out when they asked men on instagram ‘what do you do to reach out when you’re having a hard time?’
- Reach out – chat to a mate when you start to hide yourself away.
- Be listened to – have a chat and get it off your chest.
- Follow social media accounts that you can relate to.
- Have a chat with someone who will listen and not ‘fix’ – a mate, colleague, family or a helpline.
- Keep up with your routine – or add new structure to your day.
- Go to the gym
- Get outside for a short walk.
- Go swimming.
- Make a motivational playlist.
- Read a motivational or inspirational quote – to get perspective.
- Put yourself out there – do something new like volunteering or taking up a hobby.
- Get out of your comfort zone – feel a sense of achievement from this.
- Stop and pause – take time to check in with your head by using mindfulness, writing or meditation.
- Focus on breathing – breathe in and out slowly for 3 minutes.
- Switch off – in a way that works for you, with a book, film, video game.
- Ask a mate how they are – doing something for a mate can make you feel better.
For more information about the Mental Health Foundation please CLICK HERE
The Mental Health Foundation