The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
When it comes to taking care of your mental health, there are many aspects that you must consider. One that you may not be aware of is that the mental health of men and boys is often overlooked. Here’s a look at ways to ensure that the males in your life are able to keep up with their wellness.
Take Care of Your Health
One of the best ways to ensure that you are able to help others with their wellness is to be sure that you are taking care of your own. This generally means that you should see a counselor when you need to. For your physical health, you may want to make sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep at night, and exercising regularly.
If you are a parent, taking care of your health will help your kids learn more about proper habits and staying healthy.
Talk to the Males in Your Life
Something else to consider is talking to the males in your life about how they are feeling. There are differences in the way that males and females talk about their problems and mental health concerns. This may be because as males grow up, they are taught that they must be tough and hide their emotions at times, which in turn, could lead them to attempt to handle their own problems, instead of seeking a therapist’s help and advice.
For this reason, it can be a good idea to tell the men and boys that you care about the most that it is okay to work with a therapist when they need to, and do your best to talk to them regularly, in order to provide them with an opportunity to discuss what they are going through or about their day, if they want to.
For more information on the mental health of men and boys, check out BetterHelp. There are articles to read on this topic.
Watch for Changes in Behavior
It may also be imperative to notice sudden changes in behavior, whether this is in a mate, a son, or another male that is close to you. Swift behavior changes can indicate that there is something wrong and they may require the help of a professional.
A few symptoms to watch for are being uninterested in things that they used to love, not taking care of their own needs, such as missing work or school for numerous days, or not keeping up with their hygiene, as well as big differences in the amount they sleep or eat. These signs could mean could benefit from treatment
If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to them about working with a therapist. They may be interested in receiving help.
Teach Kids About Emotions and Feelings
If you have boys in your life, whether they are your own kids or your relatives, it is okay to teach them about their emotions and feelings. Let them know that you are there for them when they are sad, or they want to talk to someone. You can also reassure them that you will help them handle their problems, so they don‘t think they have to fix everything on their own. This can go a long way in changing ideals when it comes to how males’ mental health is viewed.
Get Them Help When Necessary
Anytime a male in your life does need professional help, do your best to facilitate this in any way you can. Perhaps you can find a psychiatrist for them to work with, drive them to an appointment, or help in another way. Determine how you will be able to lend a hand and follow through.
Conclusion
The mental health of men and boys is important, just like the mental health of females. This is why everyone should feel like it is okay to work with a therapist whenever they need support, are experiencing anxiety, or want to work through stress. Be sure to tell the males you know that it is okay to seek therapy, regardless of preconceived notions.
Image Courtesy: Pixabay.com