Archived post - Wellbeing Wednesday post from 21st June 2023 - with information of Men's Health
It’s Wellbeing Wednesday! & this week we’re covering the topic of men’s health (in aid of Men’s Health Week – 12th to 18th June 2023)
What is Men’s Health Week (MHW)?
It’s an annual event, organised by Men’s Health Forum, & aims to encourage men to take charge of their wellbeing, make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, & seek appropriate medical & mental health support when needed. Last year, MHW focused on encouraging men everywhere to give themselves a Health MOT (click here for more info on health MOTs for men).
This year, the theme is ‘men’s health and the internet’ – & the impact of technology & social media on mental health.
Spending too much time on your tech?
Dopamine is one of the key chemical messengers in your brain. It creates feelings of pleasure & plays a role in concentration, memory & what we find interesting. But the smartphone is a dopamine-delivery service on hand 24/7, it’s full of endless apps & there is a real potential for over-use. Endlessly scrolling through our phones & social media can cost us time & attention that we could’ve devoted to more meaningful things. Over-use of tech could even get to the point where it starts to cost money, relationships, or implications at work.
The CAN DO Challenge
If you think you’re spending too much time on your tech, the Men’s Health Forum challenge you to take a screen break & try the CAN DO challenge - a great way to boost your mental wellbeing by doing the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
You can find useful Men’s Health Forum posters in the kitchen - & we’ve attached The CAN DO Manual – 275 great ideas of things you CAN DO to take a break from tech & social media & boost your mental wellbeing.
Identifying the symptoms of mental illness
According to the Mental Health Foundation, approx. 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem (such as anxiety, stress, or depression). When left unattended, these problems can worsen & be detrimental to those affected. It’s extremely important to remove the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, helping men reach out, talk about their problems & seek treatment.
There may not always be clear signs you’re dealing with a serious issue, not just a bad day. However, there are some common signs & symptoms associated with mental illness. If you (or someone you know) are struggling with your mental health, visit the Mental Health Foundation for details on the mental health support services/organisations available to you.