Becoming a Complete Man: Strategies to Enhance Men's Mental Health and Well-being
Jul 27, 2023
Improving men’s mental health and becoming a complete man is a multifaceted and ongoing process that requires intentional commitment and effort.
Here are some of the tips and suggestions that may help:
- Build a support network: Having a support network can help you cope with stress and difficult emotions. This could include friends, family members, or a therapist. It's important to reach out for help when you need it and to have people in your life who you can talk to openly and honestly. They will assist you in this journey and make it easier .
- Encourage men to talk about their feelings: Men often face societal pressures to be strong and unemotional, which can lead to suppressed feelings and mental health issues. Men need to be encouraged to talk about their feelings and seek support because this can help them to cope better with their emotions and improve their mental health.
- Prioritising their mental health. Men prioritise work, family and any other major obligations. However, taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being . Make sure to prioritise activities like exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy.
- Promote self care. Men should be encouraged to engage in activities that promote self-care, such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and spending time outdoors. These activities can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
- Increase awareness of mental health issues: There is still a stigma surrounding mental health, and many men may not seek help because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. Increasing awareness and education about mental health issues can help reduce the stigma and encourage men to seek help when needed.
- Address/ challenge toxic masculinity: Traditional ideas of masculinity often discourage men from seeking help or showing vulnerability. However, these attitudes can be harmful and prevent men from accessing the support they need. Challenging toxic masculinity means recognizing that it's okay to ask for help, to show vulnerability, and to prioritise your own well-being.
- Encourage healthy relationships: Strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and partners can have a positive impact on men's mental health. Encouraging healthy communication and building strong relationships can help men feel more connected and supported.
- Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, it's important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
- Manage stress: Stress is a common trigger for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It's important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, or talking to a therapist.
The concept of the "complete man" can also be approached in various ways, but ultimately it should involve embracing a holistic approach to health and well-being.
This can include addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, promoting self-reflection and personal growth, and building strong relationships with others.
It is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving this, and each individual's journey towards becoming a "complete man" will be unique.
Let’s now dig deep on how a ‘complete man’ can be achieved.
Becoming a "complete man" is a subjective and personal journey, as what it means to be complete can differ from person to person.
However, here are some tips that may help you on your journey towards becoming a well-rounded individual:
- Pursue personal growth: Constantly strive to learn and grow, whether that's through education, new experiences, or self-reflection. This can help you expand your horizons, develop new skills, and find a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
- Live with integrity: Being true to your values, beliefs and principles, even when it's difficult, can help you build self-respect and earn the respect of others. This includes being honest, trustworthy, and treating others with fairness and respect.
- Take responsibility for your actions: Being a complete man means being accountable for your actions and their consequences. This includes taking ownership of mistakes, apologising when necessary, and striving to make amends.
- Embrace your emotions: Being emotionally intelligent and in touch with your feelings can help you build strong relationships, cope with stress and difficulties, and become more self-aware. Practice recognizing and expressing your emotions in a healthy and constructive way
- Cultivate healthy relationships: Building strong and meaningful connections with others is essential for overall well-being. This includes family, friends, romantic partners, and even coworkers. Invest time and energy into building and maintaining these relationships.
In summary, improving men's mental health and becoming a complete man involves prioritising self-care, building a support network, managing stress, challenging toxic masculinity, and seeking professional help when needed.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help and prioritise your own well-being.
What is one thing you would like to improve most this year?