Men and mental health
Men are far less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, irrespective of age, nationality, or ethnic or racial background.
Taking time out from your everyday routine.
Go for at least 30 minutes of activity a day . This doesn’t have to be done all at once, and can be done in bouts of 10 minutes
Plan time to relax, even if it’s just having a long bath or listening to music .
Try to have a good night’s sleep .
Relaxation techniques can be useful for a lot of people in helping them to feel more able to cope .
Avoid taking refuge in smoking, junk food or alcohol! This won’t help your stress levels . Avoid too many caffeinated and sugary drinks: Drink plenty of water . This will help you to concentrate better and may stop you getting headaches
Just talking about things may help you to see things in a different light . It can help you to find a way forward in tackling practical problems that may be causing you stress . Talk with friends or family
Useful resources
Grow - network of mental health support groups throughout Ireland.
Helplink Mental Health - online and phone-based counselling services, as well as links to sources of help and support.
Masculinity and Mental Health - paper outlining the key issues for promoting mental health with young men (PDF, 693KB).
Heads Up Guys - a Canadian website that supports men in their fight against depression by providing tips, tools and stories of success.
Minding Your Head - spot the symptoms of poor mental health and find simple ways to stay healthy.
Samaritans - confidential and non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing distress or despair.
See Change - partnership to reduce stigma and challenge the discrimination associated with mental health problems.
Shine - support for people affected by mental ill-health.
Stamp Out Suicide - suicide awareness information for those feeling depressed and suicidal, and for those bereaved by suicide.
Mental Health Ireland - national voluntary organisation offering information, events, research, networks and projects.
Turn2Me - an online mental health organisation offering a range of free services to any adult affected by mental health / well-being difficulties
Your Mental Health - HSE website offering information on mental health issues, top tips for little things that can make a difference, real life stories, and a comprehensive database of mental health support services in Ireland.