Men's Mental Health Month is observed in June to raise awareness about the mental health issues men face, encouraging early intervention, and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
** TRIGGER WARNING **
This blog post contains references to mental health, substance abuse, suicide, and similar.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
History of Men's Mental Health
Historically, mental health issues among men have been underrecognized and undertreated due to cultural norms that emphasize stoicism and self-reliance. These norms have often led to men being less likely to seek help for mental health problems. Over the years, there has been increasing recognition of the unique challenges men face regarding mental health, leading to more focused efforts on addressing these issues.
Statistics about Men's Mental Health in the UK
Suicide Rates: Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2021, 75% of all suicides in the UK were men.
Depression and Anxiety: Around one in eight men in England have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Help-Seeking Behaviour: Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
Substance Abuse: Men are more likely to use and die from illegal drugs.
How Can We Improve Men's Mental Health?
Education and Awareness: Increase public awareness about the importance of mental health and encourage men to seek help.
Reducing Stigma: Challenge societal norms and stigma associated with men expressing vulnerability and seeking help.
Access to Services: Improve accessibility to mental health services tailored to men’s needs.
Support Networks: Encourage men to build and utilize strong support networks, including friends, family, and peer support groups.
Workplace Initiatives: Implement mental health initiatives in the workplace to support men in managing stress and seeking help.
How Can Yoga Help Men's Mental Health?
Yoga can significantly benefit men's mental health by:
Reducing Stress: Yoga helps reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
Improving Mood: Physical activity, including yoga, increases endorphin levels, improving mood.
Enhancing Mindfulness: Yoga encourages mindfulness, helping men become more aware of their mental and emotional states.
Improving Sleep: Regular yoga practice can improve sleep quality, which is crucial for mental health.
Promoting Relaxation: Yoga practices such as pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Yoga Sequence for Men
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Promotes grounding and stability.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Strengthens the upper body and stretches the hamstrings and calves.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): Builds strength in the legs and core, improving focus and balance.
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Provides a gentle stretch for the back and promotes relaxation.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Strengthens the back and glutes, opens the chest, and stimulates the thyroid.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): Allows for full relaxation and integration of the practice.
How Can We Support Men's Mental Health?
Encourage Open Communication: Create environments where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health.
Offer Support: Be supportive and listen without judgment when men talk about their mental health issues.
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage activities that support mental health, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.
Educate on Resources: Inform men about available mental health resources and how to access them.
Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that improve mental health services and make them more accessible to men.
How Can YB Support Men’s Mental Health?
We have a selection of general classes that are open to men.
Your first class is FREE!
WE LOVE BEGINNERS - and you will be supported at whatever stage of your Yoga journey you are at.
Our values are compassion, connection and community - and you will always be greeted and treated with compassion and kindness.
Yoga Borne is about more that just getting bums on mats, we are a community that support each other.
You can meet like minded people.
We offer much more than Yoga - swimming, walking, nature experiences. A holistic approach to wellbeing.
Our Studio Owner, Karine, is a fully qualified Mental Health First Aider.
Have a question?
Email us via hello@yogaborne.com
Need some support?
We have compiled a list of helpline resources below.
