In a world dominated by a pandemic that is sure to go down in the history books, it’s safe to say that life as the population once knew it has changed dramatically in the foregoing months.
From adjusting to remote working and learning, lack of socialisation and the rise in unemployment across the globe, it’s no surprise that our collective mental health has been tested during the course of Covid-19, leaving many vulnerable and worried as we begin the journey back to normal life.
In the wake of hitting the year mark since the first national lockdown, Capital FM Breakfast star Roman Kemp opened up about his own mental health during the pandemic, using his platform to talk about his best friend Joe Lyons who sadly took his own life in the height of the 2020 lockdown.
(Source: BBC)
In the hour-long documentary, Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, he tackled the male mental health crisis across the UK, uncovering the silent struggles especially young men are facing, and how a global crisis has left some of the most at risk falling desperately under the radar.
Why are men more at risk?
According to Mind UK, men are 3 times more likely to take their own life than women.
The question is, why are they more at risk? Amongst socioeconomic factors such as financial background, romantic relationships and quality of life, the largest risk factor that leads to male suicide is toxic masculinity.
A report published by BMC Psychiatry in 2020, revealed that many of the masculine norms that many young men and adolescents conform to are detrimental to their mental health and wellbeing, posing to be some of the largest risk factors that contribute to the rise in male suicide.
(The regions with the highest suicide rates amongst men in 2020: ONS)
With a historical culture of masculinity still a driving force within many male friendship groups, sporting teams and online presence, many men feel unable to open up about their mental health with both friends and professionals. Only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals have been for men in the last two years, as studies show most of them prefer to ignore the problem altogether in fear of the stigma of looking weak in front of other men.
Instead, many men turn to sports teams, recreational activities and damaging habits such as drinking or smoking to address the problem. As lockdown dominates our social lives, it’s no wonder that many men are now suffering in silence, as coping mechanisms have been snatched away, pubs are closed and a relaxing kick about with the guys is no more.
How to look after your mental health in lockdown
For young and vulnerbale men, especially those who live alone or now work remotely, it’s never been more important to protect your mental health and reduce the risk of losing such an important battle.
Here are just a few ways you can prioritise your mental health in lockdown.
Start Exercising
9 in 10 people in a MentalHealth.org study found that completing one active pastime a day during lockdown helped them handle mental stress. For men who are used to being active members in sporting clubs or frequent members of the gym prior to Covid-19, implementing exercise back into your daily routine is a great way to practice mindfulness and wellbeing during the pandemic.
Being active is proven to release endorphins and serotonin in the brain, which are chemicals that can boost your mood and mental wellbeing. Going for something as simple as a walk is a great way to combat stress and unproductivity when stuck at home.
Prioritise your WFH wellbeing
For those of us who have adapted to remote working conditions during the lockdown, it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed by a lack of physical connection, unreliable work schedules and panic-inducing Zoom calls, leaving many online workers both mentally and physically drained.
Improving your WFH experience has a knock-on effect on your mental health. Creating structured routines and taking active breaks are two of the smallest changes that could leave you feeling less overwhelmed and better prepared to tackle each day. Taking regular screen breaks and investing in physical work aids may also help improve both eye strain and back tension, both of which contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Keep Talking
In the last year, 69% of the UK adult population have expressed concern about the impacts Covid-19 is having on their life. In a time where we are all collectively struggling, reaching out to one another has never been more important.
Lockdown doesn’t have to stop you from being social. Social media allows us to remain constantly connected, which means it has never been easier to reach out. If you’re struggling, why not organise a group call with your friends, or let a friend, family member or professional know about your thoughts. If you’re on the other side, why not use your free time to text the person who has been quiet lately and show them that their mental health matters to you.
For a male mental health crisis that has been built on stigma and a culture of toxic masculinity, learning to talk about your feelings and be open may be the only cure. As more men, like Roman Kemp, continue to be open about their mental health both online and in the media, there is hope for change and a more open future for those who struggle in silence.
