Men's Mental Health

A clinician's view by Lucas Mirani (Clinical Psychologist)

There is broad recognition across society that men are facing a range of mental health challenges, and that society has socially conditioned men to focus on practical issues, problem solving, to be stoic, and to somewhat deny and/or avoid the extent of how they are feeling. Yet this can lead to significant mental health consequences and many men are facing anxiety and depressive-related symptoms as a response to this. Due to that, there needs to be a greater recognition of how the mind actually works, what people require from each other to feel good, and to therefore to respond to each other, accordingly.

That is, what does it take for someone to feel good and to thrive? And, ultimately, are there ways to challenge and transcend the social issues and restrictions that are placed on men's mental health and wellbeing?

All people require emotional attunement, support, validation and empathy to feel emotionally health. As babies, we come into the world requiring a nurturing, empathetic and caring environment in order to survive and to ensure that our needs are responded to. This is not just for humans but for all animals. Yet, the need for emotional attunement and validation to feel good exists across the lifespan. In response to that and in light of men's mental health day, there needs to be a gradual and committed shift across society to recognise the importance of being emotionally attuned to each other. The question: áre you okay'? is helpful as a starting point but there needs to be a greater shift and emphasis on the core emotional and experiential worlds that men are experiencing and to, in turn, ensure that we are all spending focused time with each other on this part of our selves.

There is a time and a place to be stoic. There is a time and a place to focus on practical issues and to address issues and problems that need to be solved within one's house, across society, and at work. Yet there is also an additional need to address how we are truly feeling. That is, to extend the question of áre you okay?' to a broader chat regarding how you are truly feeling. That is, by attuning to how each person is authentically responding without judgment and without our own personal agendas/biases will ultimately result in a significant improvement for men's mental health and wellbeing across society. 

If you have questions, feel free to contact TYW on (02) 9555 4810 or email info@treatyourselfwell.com.au — Karen, Julia, and Jenny will be very happy to help. 💛