How to pick yourself up when things get tough! – Men’s Mental Health Month 11/11/2021

Men's Mental Health Month

November is Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s important to get talking and here’s why:

In England, one in eight men have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or OCD.
Men are three times more likely to die from suicide compared to women.
Men aged 40 – 49 have the highest suicide rate.
Men are less likely than women to access psychological therapies, only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
87% of rough sleepers are men.
9.7% of men aged 16-24 report having self-harmed at some point in their life.

How to pick yourself up when things get tough...

We all get low sometimes, for Men’s Mental health month ‘The Mental Health Foundation‘ has put together a list on How to pick yourself up when things get tough”.

Get Outside

Get outside for a short walk or add exercise to your daily routine. Exercise is a great way to help with mental health.

Get Motivated!

Make a motivational playlist or read a motivational or inspirational quote – to get perspective.

Reach out!

Chat to a mate when you start to hide yourself away. Make sure you’re being listened to – have a chat and get it off your chest. Have a chat with someone who will listen and not ‘fix’ – a mate, colleague, family or a helpline.

Use social media

Follow social media accounts that you can relate to and connect with people who have similar interests.

Have structure

Keep up with your routine – or add a new structure to your day. Do something new like volunteering or take up a new hobby.

Get out of your comfort zone

Get out of your comfort zone – feel a sense of achievement from this

Check on your friends

Ask a mate how they are – doing something for a mate can make you feel better.

Take time

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 etc.

Kidderminster College