4 Ways To Bust Harmful Myths About Men’s Mental Health
There are many misconceptions about mental health, especially when it comes to men. Some consider it a sign of weakness or a personal flaw, while others are under the impression that it’s uncommon – but none of this is true. For the reality is that most of us will struggle with our mental health at some point in our lives. Yet, there is still a stigma attached to it. So how do we fix it?
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There is no easy way to turn around centuries of harm, but by talking more openly about mental health we are well on our way. Why? Because according to the Washington Post men are still suffering in silence. This lack of action often springs from harmful mental health myths. A fear of being seen as damaged or weak. This is so far from the truth as opening up about mental health issues and getting help for them is actually a strength that more people should be aware of. Plus now with HEAL Treatment Centers, and other facilities like them, people can actually start getting the help they need to face their problems instead of running away. But despite this leap forward, the stigma is still very much there. Here’s what you can do to change it.
1. Write about mental health on your blog
One of the smartest ways to have a positive impact on the way mental health is spoken about is not what you might think. Rather than doing a mental health blog, which is likely to attract readers who are already educated on the subject, it’s much better to blog about your work or hobby. It’s often the ideal place to talk about your own mental health. Why not create a handyman blog where you share practical tips, while including personal posts too? Use a name generator to help you think of a name and get started doing your bit to bust the myths.
2. Give talks to schools and workplaces
Many misconceptions about mental health starts when we are young. That’s why giving talks to younger people is the perfect place to start a healthy conversation about mentality, so they get prepared for adulthood. But minds can always be changed, and workplaces and organisations can also benefit from your expertise. Think about what your offering is: Are you giving a personal account of your own struggles, or are you a professional expert? Knowing this will help you land speaking gigs.
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3. Get involved in campaigns and advocacy work
If you are politically inclined and have specific policies that you would like to see, then campaigning might be for you. Even if you don’t feel political, there are also many ways you can act as a one-to-one advocate for someone who is struggling to navigate the health system or are feeling isolated and marginalised. There are numerous charities out there, with plenty of opportunities to find a local branch to get involved with.
4. Write opinion pieces and put mental health on the agenda
Putting mental health on the agenda is key. There are several ways to do that. You can get yourself interviews for people’s blogs to expand your reach and get more readers, but you can also write your own stuff. Many newspapers and magazines accept pitches for opinion pieces or articles for specific subjects, including mental health. It’s simply a great way to influence public debate.
