Why Does The Conversation Surrounding Men’s Health Matter?
It’s no secret that men struggle to identify when they’re experiencing burnout or poor health. Men may be pressured to be the stoic supporter of their families or to put on a brave face in the face of life's challenges. This pressure frequently drives personal well-being to the bottom of the priority list, with patriarchal frameworks of masculinity disconnecting men from their emotions and projecting that seeking support is a weakness. Effectively managing your mental health and practising self-care regularly can dramatically improve your quality of life, and increase your capacity to be there for your family and your mates - allowing you to perform at your peak!
The Stats speak for themselves:
In Australia, roughly 7 men die by suicide every day.
13.3% of Australian men aged 16 - 85 have experienced anxiety or a mental health disorder in the past year.
Men are twice as likely to wait more than two years between doctor check ups, and more than 40% of men don’t go to the doctors at all unless they fear a life threatening issue.
Patriarchal ideas surrounding masculinity encourage men to take more risk-taking behaviour rather than healthily dealing with problems, meaning they are more likely to get hurt or sick and as we mentioned before, less likely to seek help when they are.
Men are less likely to take time from work when sick or injured.
Men are less likely to recognise the symptoms of illnesses, in particular ones that significantly affect them, such as heart disease.
This year's theme for Men’s Health Week is: Creating Healthy Environments for Men and Boys, which focuses on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings. Creating safe places that encourage men to practice self care is something we are incredibly passionate about at City Cave. We designed our centres with natural stone finishes and lush greenery to be a neutral, relaxing space for everybody who wants to relax and recover, including men.
There is nothing more manly than taking care of your mind and body! Self care and being proactive about your health doesn’t have to involve huge changes, it just needs to start by examining your current habits and asking yourself the following questions:
What are your coping mechanisms when things get hard?
How do you take care of yourself?
What do you value or enjoy?
When was the last time you had a check up on your physical health?
Self-care can be simple. Some men love meditation, to socialise at a BBQ, workout - or enjoy some self-care at a City Cave centre 😉 - there are always a range of ways to make time just for you!
In a recent study conducted by Mindbody Wellness Index, it was revealed that 56% of men have increased their focus on health and wellness since the beginning of the pandemic. Join the trend and prioritise your mental and physical health today. If you or someone you care about is in immediate need of support contact:
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Standby - Support After Suicide 0438 648 268
Resources:
Beyond Blue 2022, Beyondblue.org.au, viewed 6 June 2022, <https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/men>.
Byzak, A 2017, Tri-City Medical Center, Tri-City Medical Center, viewed 6 June 2022, <https://www.tricitymed.org/2017/06/dont-men-go-doctor-often-women/>.
How 2021, Next Gen Men, Next Gen Men, viewed 6 June 2022, <https://www.nextgenmen.ca/blog/why-patriarchy-hurts-men-too>.
Mindbody 2021, What the Rise of Men’s Health and Wellness Means for Wellness Businesses in Australia, viewed 6 June 2022, <https://www.mindbodyonline.com/en-au/business/education/blog/what-rise-mens-health-and-wellness-means-wellness-businesses-australia>.