Self-Care for Men and the Importance of Mental Health

As men, mental health is something that we’re told to ignore and/or challenge by rubbing some dirt in it or manning up; it’s a silent epidemic that’s skyrocketing male depression and suicide rates. While it’s true that men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, it’s crucial that we openly discuss it to make sure no one feels alone in their struggles.

In this blog, we’ll explore why men’s mental health is often pushed under the rug, along with the power of self-care for men and how it can help your mental health:

Discussing Mental Health and Its Growing Awareness

Mental health is an essential aspect of your overall well-being. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers like Dwayne Johnson, Oscar De La Hoya, and Garrett Munce are working to dismantle the stigma around men’s mental health by bringing awareness to the once-invisible issue, causing a growing echo to be heard around the world.

Furthermore, since 1994, May has been recognized as Men's Mental Health Month. It was created by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization after assessing the disparities men face when it comes to mental health. The month aims to raise awareness, promote conversations, and support the mental well-being of all men.

Why Is Men’s Mental Health Often Ignored?

Men’s mental health is often overlooked because most discussions on mental health (and self-care) are focused on women. This oversight has led to a lack of attention and resources to address the health and wellness needs of men.

“Men are not encouraged to discuss their mental health because of this pervasive ‘suck it up, solve it yourself’ messaging in society,” explains Juli Harpell-Elam, Director of Abuse Prevention at JBWS’ Jersey Center for Non-Violence (JCNV). “If men feel they have to act a certain way, then they can’t express their whole humanness.”

Think back: Have you ever heard someone talking about being the man of the house or taunting a friend to take it like a man? Hiding emotions and maintaining a stoic facade are engraved so deeply in us that we’re now faced with some unnerving mental health statistics:

• Nearly one out of every ten men deal with depression or anxiety at some point in their lives, yet less than half seek help.
• Bipolar disorder affects many Americans, with nearly 2.3 million people grappling with it. Interestingly, the illness impacts both men and women equally.
• With around 3.5 million diagnosed people in the country, schizophrenia affects a lot of people. Notably, 90% of those diagnosed before the age of 30 are men.
• While 10% of individuals with bulimia or anorexia are men, they often feel less inclined to seek help.
• 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.
• Some of the most common causes of mental health issues in men’s lives are work (32%), finances (31%), and health (23%).
• Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death for men in the USA.
• Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent.

Pictured: Tips for Men’s Mental Health

Men’s Mental Health Resources and Tips

It’s always important to shed light on mental health organizations that are doing exceptional work in America. Three organizations you should check out to support the men’s mental health initiative are:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI has information on mental health conditions, along with support programs for men impacted by mental illnesses. It also has a helpline that offers free support and resources to men in need.
2. Mental Health America (MHA): MHA provides a variety of tools for self-assessments, education on mental health conditions, and insight into how mental health impacts everyone, even children and men.
3. Man Therapy: Man Therapy is an interactive mental health campaign targeting working-age men. It uses humor to cut through the stigma and tackle issues like depression, anxiety, and divorce.

Let’s Chat About Self-Care for Men

Self-care for men can be looked at as a new subject because it’s mostly been targeted toward women in the past. Self-care is doing something you enjoy that’s good for you, like hiking the trail you’ve been meaning to get to, building something new, and taking care of yourself with a healthy skincare routine.

Self-care promotes your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For men, taking part in self-care goes beyond the normal idea of pampering – it’s a basic part of leading a balanced and fulfilling life. Through things like Men's Mental Health Month – you can be reminded annually that self-care is a way of investing in your well-being.

The Benefits of Self-Care for Men

Some benefits of self-care for men are:

• Reduced Stress: As men, we often face pressure at work and societal expectations. Self-care provides a way for you to deal with these things while benefiting your health. Whether it's through exercise or hobbies, self-care can help you recharge and refuel.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Self-care is a powerful tool for improving your mental health. It’ll help you develop ways to cope, boost your resilience, and nurture a positive mindset. Self-care can also uplift your mood while alleviating anxiety.
• Better Physical Health: Self-care not only deals with mental health but also physical health. Physical activities strengthen your body and impact your mental health by promoting a sense of accomplishment.
• Stronger Relationships: Self-care isn’t something that you have to do alone; it can involve strengthening and building meaningful relationships with others. By spending good quality time with your family and friends, you’ll have a healthy, balanced social life.
• Boosted Productivity and Focus: Did you know that taking the time to prioritize self-care can improve your productivity and focus? With self-care, you can recharge your energy levels and enhance your concentration.

Mental Health Self-Care Quotes for Empowering Minds

We’re all aware that there’s power in words, which is what makes inspirational quotes so appealing. “There’s a little bit of implicit coaching that’s happening when you’re reading empowering quotes. It’s building self-efficacy in that kind of dialogue that you’re having with yourself,” explains psychologist and motivation expert Jonathan Fader.

If you have a high self-efficacy then chances are you’re easily motivated to take part in self-care. Fader says that men with a higher self-efficacy can tactfully overcome obstacles that may otherwise have prevented them from doing self-care. To help build your self-efficacy through self-care for men, here are some empowering quotes to inspire and motivate you:

Redefining Self-Care for Men – Elevate Your Well-Being with MOX Skincare

MOX knows it’s crucial to promote and educate on men’s mental health to ensure no one feels alone in their struggles. Because of this, we take pride in our nutritious male self-care products that exercise your skin and mind with healthy formulations.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to take care of your body as a man then you’re in the right place. Created to tackle Colorado's harsh conditions, each MOX ingredient (like squalane) helps create the right environment to strengthen your cells, resulting in the healthy skin you deserve.

Looking to grab the best men’s self-care/face-care products on the market? Try these:

Tell us – have you ever tried self-care for men? If so, how do you practice it?