MENS WELLBEING ADVICE | Brothers in Arms

Male mental maintenance refers to ongoing practices and strategies that men (and those who support them) can adopt to support and sustain their mental health and emotional well-being. It involves recognising the importance of mental health as a continuum, where no one is always thriving or feeling strong, and taking proactive steps to safeguard and improve mental health before issues escalate.

Key aspects of male mental maintenance include:

Self-Care: Engaging in self-care is crucial for relieving everyday pressures, managing stress, and improving mental health. Self-care is not about indulgence but about maintaining health and functionality to meet personal and professional demands.
Challenging Societal Norms: Traditional masculine norms, such as emotional suppression and the need to appear stoic or self-reliant, often hinder men from seeking help or addressing their mental health needs. Male mental maintenance involves dismantling these "man-box mindsets" to normalise self-care and emotional expression.
Understanding Emotional and Physical Connections: Mental health impacts not only emotional well-being but also physical health, including changes in the brain. Recognising this connection can motivate men to seek help and adopt healthier habits.
Preventative Measures: Prevention is better than cure. This includes checking in with oneself, recognising early signs of stress or emotional distress, and taking steps to address them before they escalate.
Building Healthy Relationships: Developing skills to maintain and grow healthy relationships is a vital part of mental maintenance. Struggles in relationships can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, so fostering communication and emotional work is essential.
Tailored Strategies: Men’s mental health requires approaches that address both emotional suppression and physiological stress markers. For example, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) combined with biofeedback techniques can help recalibrate stress responses.

Ultimately, male mental maintenance is about creating a balanced, sustainable approach to mental health that allows men to thrive, function well, and handle life’s challenges effectively. Learn more below.

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