Breaking Barriers: Men's Mental Health Takes Center Stage in 2024

In 2024, the conversation around men’s mental health and self-care has gained unprecedented importance. Breaking societal norms, men are embracing self-care practices to foster well-being. Recognizing the unique challenges they face, discussions focus on erasing stigmas, promoting open dialogues, and encouraging accessible resources. The evolving landscape reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in men’s overall well-being, fostering a culture that values self-care as an integral part of a fulfilling and balanced life.

Prakriti Poddar, a wellbeing expert, and Global Head, Mental Health, Roundglass Living app says it’s time It’s time to flip the script on what it means to “be a man”.

“Gender stereotypes expect men to stoic, physically and mentally tough, not be vulnerable and learn to tolerate pain without complaining. This social conditioning encourages men to take care of their physical body but not so much their mind and spirit. In fact, men often confuse wellbeing practices like self-care with cosmetic indulgence and see it as more “feminine”. Wellbeing does not have a gender,” opines Poddar.

Men need to prioritize and nurture their wellbeing just as much as anybody else. Being healthy and happy inside out can lead to lower levels of mental health disorders and illnesses in men. By practicing self-care by eating well, movement, getting enough sleep at night and boosting mental wellbeing with practices such as meditation and mindfulness, men can lead healthier and more joyful lives and be able to support their family and community from a place of abundance and love.

Poddar recommends the following wellbeing practices and healthy habits that can improve your mental wellbeing:

1. Be emotionally awareNegative thoughts and emotions tend to stick longer than positive ones due to the negativity bias of the human brain. However, dwelling on them too much has been linked to inflammation, which can accelerate aging and weaken immunity. “Practice emotional awareness to cope with negative emotions. Observe your feelings and allow yourself to experience their rise and fall. It’s about finding a balance between expressing your emotions and not letting them consume you,” says Prakriti.
2. MovementStaying active throughout the day – by exercising, doing chores, helping others – relieves stress, keeps your mind occupied, and helps reduce anxiety, leading to a more positive state of mind.
3. Seek helpStudies show that men are less likely to consult a doctor, as help-seeking behaviors don’t conform to traditional masculine stereotypes. “As a society, we need to encourage men to express vulnerability, by providing a masculine narrative of help-seeking and focused interventions for men’s health,” adds Prakriti.
4. Practice meditationMeditation is the process of becoming familiar with, and eventually mastering, the true nature of your mind. Studies have established that regular meditation practice can alleviate stress, improve your relationships with others, and help you sleep better.
5. Develop social connectionsHaving a large social circle and taking an active part in your community has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as greater empathy.
6. GratitudeIt helps to say, “thank you” and to count your blessings. People who practice gratitude experience a host of benefits, including a stronger immune system and higher levels of positive emotions. Don’t hold back — let your gratitude flow through your words, actions, and expressions.
7. Self-compassion“It pays to be kind to yourself. Research shows it is associated with greater optimism and happiness. Don’t shy away from expressing your emotions and asking for help when you need it,” adds Prakriti.