Did You Know that June is Men’s Health Month? Here Are Tips for Staying Healthy

The month of June is a special month for men, particularly because it is National Men’s Health Month.

The National Men’s health month was created in 1994 to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.

The awareness month is today celebrated globally from June 14^th  to 20^th, and this year’s theme is focused on what it means to have a team.

Globally, one in four men is affected by mental or neurological disorders according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Africa, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder but shy away from speaking how they feel.

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The past year in particular has seen many people sink into depression, among them men. Since they are mostly the breadwinners for their families, the prevalence of the coronavirus has significantly affected their ability to meet their obligations and responsibilities.

This is supported by data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), which shows that at least 114 million people have lost their jobs since the onset of covid-19 early last year.

Another report released in 2018 by the WHO emphasized that cultural stigma surrounding men’s mental health is one of the chief obstacles to men admitting that they are struggling and seeking help.

Society’s expectations of men limit them from speaking loudly about their feelings because they are supposed to be tough.

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Men are three times more likely to commit suicide as compared to women majorly because there is a pressure built from inside that cannot be stopped if not noticed at the right time.

The essence of having men’s mental month every year is to encourage and create a conducive environment for as many men as possible to come out and speak out without looking at society’s expectations.

For this year, the month should aim at strongly acknowledging the need to designate mental health issues among men, highlighting ways in which society can better support them.

Good health is about being the best that you can be in your situation, it’s important to prioritize your physical, emotional, and social health by staying connected and seeking support early if something is wrong, from a team of people who care about you and your well-being.

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Tips for Staying Healthy

Here is a list of things a man can do to avoid mental problems.

1. Value Yourself – Treat yourself with kindness, respect and avoid self-criticism.
2. Take Care of Your Body – Taking care of your physical body can improve your mental health.
3. Get Out and Get Active – Inactive Men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression than those who are active.
4. Understand That’s It is Okay to Seek Help – Many men struggle to acknowledge they are experiencing the mental health issues that lead to suicide, and approximately 70% of men avoid seeking support altogether. Don’t suffer in silence – talk to your partner, friends, or workmates.
5. Take Control of Your Finances – Debts could be the biggest cause of stress for men. Avoid bat all costs if you can. But if it’s too overwhelming then a financial officer can help you take control of your debt and put a plan in place to help you get back on track.
6. Surround Yourself With Good People – People who offer a good support network.
7. Learn How to Deal With Stress – Like it or not, stress is part of life. Practice good coping skills.
8. Set Realistic Goals – Aim high, but be realistic and don’t over schedule.

That said, Happy National Men’s Month!