Healthy Headspace

João Lourenço, Director of child services at The Free Spirit Collective discusses the challenges facing young men in breaking harmful stereotypes and managing their mental health

Boys and young men face a variety of challenges when it comes to breaking negative stereotypes set by society. These stereotypes include the idea that boys should act a certain way or that they should be stronger and tougher than girls. To combat these stereotypes, boys and young men need to be encouraged to express and embrace their emotions, to be open to talking about their feelings, and to be comfortable with being vulnerable. Furthermore, boys and young men need to be encouraged to focus on their mental health and to take care of themselves.

Boys and young men are less likely than girls and young women to seek help for mental health issues. The stigma around mental health, as well as a lack of education about mental health, can be major obstacles to boys and young men seeking help when needed which can lead them to believe that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness. As a result, men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, which can lead to more serious mental health issues going untreated. Research has shown that men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

At The Free Spirit Collective (FSC), we recognise the importance of mental health support for boys and men. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where boys and men can come together to discuss their mental health needs by creating groups and workshops specifically designed to support boys’ and men’s mental health where they can talk about their feelings, share their experiences, and access resources to help them manage their mental health. We will also continue working to raise awareness of mental health issues among boys and men, so that they can better understand the issues they may be facing and feel empowered to seek help.

It’s crucial to increase access to mental health services for men, which includes making contacting  mental health professionals easier and raising awareness of the importance of mental health:

Promote positive messaging:
Men should be encouraged to express their emotions in a healthy way, and avoiding the stereotypes portrayed in movies and television shows.

Safe spaces for men to talk about their emotions:
Support groups, therapy sessions, or even a group of friends willing to provide an understanding ear and includegroup discussions or journaling, where men can express their feelings without fear of judgment can be extremely helpful.

Resources for men to learn about emotional intelligence:
Books, online courses, or even workshops can help men better understand their emotions and how to manage them.

Peer Pressure:
Boys and young men can be under pressure to conform to certain norms, such as engaging in risky behaviors or adopting a certain attitude, to fit in with their peers. This can lead to negative outcomes, such as substance abuse and violence, and can prevent boys and young men from reaching their full potential.

Bullying:
Boys and young men can be particularly vulnerable to bullying. Bullying can have a damaging impact on self-esteem, mental health, and academic performance.

Healthy coping mechanisms:
Boys and young men may rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or aggressive behaviour when dealing with stress or mental health issues. It’s important to provide alternatives to these unhealthy behaviours.

I would like to see society’s perception of men and mental health in men shift to one of understanding and acceptance, without fear of judgement or stigma. It is a valid issue that needs to be addressed, and society should also recognise that men can be just as vulnerable to mental health issues as women and should be given the same level of care and support.

HOW SOCIETY CAN HELP:

1. More open dialogue around mental health, with a focus on removing the stigma and shame associated with seeking help or simply discussing issues.
2. Increased awareness and education surrounding men’s mental health, to help identify the signs and symptoms of issues, and what resources are available to them.
3. More support from family and friends, to encourage men to open up about their mental health issues and seek help if needed.
4. More resources and funding to research, develop, and implement better mental health treatments and therapies for men.
5. More representation of men in mental health campaigns and initiatives, to better normalise conversations and provide role models for men to look up to.

This article appeared in Issue 002 – the Men’s Edition