Inspired by the success of Movember - the campaign that focuses on men's mental health and suicide prevention - the Mental Health Foundation has launched its own awareness campaign throughout November: Men's Mental Health Month.
The campaign includes a wide range of information and advice, including the Curry and Chaat fundraising initiative and other ways to get involved. Below are 15 mental health tips for men*, which were published before the latest coronavirus restrictions were announced, and which may need to be adapted to reflect the new guidelines:
- 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
- Get outside for a short walk
- Make a motivational playlist
- Read a motivational or inspirational quote - to get perspective
- Do something new like volunteering
- Take up a new 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 etc.
- Ask a mate how they are – doing something for a mate can make you feel better
You can find more details of the campaign, including how to get involved, here. More information about the work and research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation can be found at www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work
