Posted by Martin Preston
on
25 Nov 2024
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Call Us: 0330 111 2015
Call Us: 0330 111 2015
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We are now coming to the end of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, most well known for being called ‘Movember’.
First set up in 2003, this campaign was created to raise awareness around common health issues relating to men, such as prostate or testicular cancer, but this quickly expanded to include mental health issues.
According to Mental Health UK, about an eighth (12.5%) of men in England currently suffer from a mental health disorder and the disproportionately high suicide rates are well-documented. Set societal expectations about men and stigmatisation around opening up about mental health problems has meant that this concerning issue has worsened in the UK.
It is therefore unsurprising that more than half (52%) of men say they feel ‘concerned’ to take time off work for mental health problems and a slightly smaller number say they feel ‘embarrassed’ to tell their employer, as recently reported by Mental Health First Aider UK.
More generally, mental health problems can stem from a variety of reasons, including trauma, abuse, substance use, or social and financial pressures. These problems can often manifest themselves in abnormal health conditions like anxiety, eating, and psychotic disorders. It can also often lead to a history of addiction.
According to a report published last year by the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities, more than two thirds (70%) of people entering treatment for addiction said they had a mental health treatment need.
However, in most cases at Delamere, deeply-rooted and unaddressed mental health problems tend to be present at the start of every one of our guests’ experiences with addiction, particularly with men. This is why we emphasise the importance of treating the whole person rather than the symptoms they present with.
Our holistic treatment model takes into account all aspects of mental health, getting to the source of the problem, not just the addiction that is your primary reason for seeking treatment.
Your mental health affects everything and it impacts everyone. Particularly as the days are getting shorter, colder, darker, it’s easy to feel low and in need of some support.
Here are some helpful tips from our experts at Delamere on how you can make small changes to improve your mental health right now:
According to an article by WorkSpa, a fifth (22%) of men said they were unlikely to speak to someone if they were finding it hard to cope.
Whilst it can feel daunting to open up to friends or family about matters that feel personal and taboo, it is often the first step in the right direction to turning things around.
Reaching out to someone you trust and making them aware of how you’ve been feeling can not only take a weight off your shoulders, but help others to help you.
Especially as winter has drawn in, making sure to get some time in natural light is a great way to improve mental health.
Do what works for you. Whether that’s a few 10 minute strolls a day, a run or walk in a lunch break or walking to work instead of driving, feeling the wind on your cheeks connecting with nature improves mindfulness.
This can be paired with a podcast or music that interests you, phoning a friend or listening to the birds chirp in the trees.
Walking and other rhythmic exercise raises the heart rate, reduces blood pressure and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
When we struggle with mental health, cooking with nutritional food can be one of the first things to slip.
Eating a balanced diet is a way to prioritise your health and put yourself first, and the foods you eat can directly impact mood.
Eating enough protein is not only crucial for muscle recovery in sports, but increases intake of an amino acid that the brain uses to regulate mood.
When blood sugar falls after not eating for a while, it can evoke feelings of tiredness, frustration or depression. Eating regularly and choosing food that slowly releases energy, such as brown rice and wholemeal bread, can prevent these dips.
Mindfulness is talked about a lot, but how does it help?
There is a small part of the brain called the amygdala which is a major processing centre for your emotions. The activity of the amygdala is reduced when practising mindfulness, making it easier to see the blue sky behind the clouds.
Becoming more aware and sensitive to your body’s needs can encourage you to be kinder and more gracious to yourself.
It’s no surprise that exercise has many benefits to the mind and body. The release of endorphins and serotonin improves mood and concentration.
Short bursts of exercise that you can do more frequently throughout the week that raise your heart rate are best. This could be swimming, running or cycling to name a few.
If intense cardio is difficult for you, low impact strength based exercises like weight lifting, yoga or pilates can also be great for the mind.
These habits can all lead to a happier day to day. However, reaching out to a professional for help should always take priority.
At Delamere, our approach to mental health rehab is about getting to the source of the problem and finding the best way for you to overcome your challenges.
The Stop, Start, Grow, Bloom Delamere treatment model incorporates techniques to improve mental health alongside addiction recovery.
Martin created Delamere in order to provide exemplary care in first class facilities. Find out more about Martin on our team page.
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