Let’s Talk About Men’s Mental Health
Society’s expectations and gender roles play a big part in explaining why statistically, men are less likely to talk about their mental health. Research suggests men who can’t speak openly about their emotions are less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems and are therefore less likely to reach out for support. If you would like to talk to somebody, please give us a call.
Fight or Flight vs Rest and Digest
There are some stressors we can avoid, such as the unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves. We can sometimes find it difficult for our needs to be met, and often hope circumstances will improve in the future. Levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol can rise when we feel we can’t do anything about our current situation. Instead, we should consider how we can encourage the production of our rest and digest hormones, such as oxytocin and dopamine. Examples may include taking a little time for ourselves, trying to focus on the positives, and connecting with people.
Postpartum Depression in Men
Men’s brains undergo measurable changes before and after their newborns arrive. Expectant fathers experience changes to areas of the brain linked to attention, planning, and executive functioning. Post-birth, they undergo “dad brain”, which involves changes to areas of the brain linked to empathy and visual processing. Simultaneously, men’s cortisol and testosterone levels usually decrease in the early stages of fatherhood, making them less aggressive; while an increase in prolactin, oxytocin and estradiol can encourage nurturing behaviours.
As they have not had the chance to carry the child during pregnancy, it can sometimes take fathers more time to feel connected. Priorities often need to be shifted, as they will have less time to relax in the same way they used to after a long day at work. Lack of sleep can also further complicate this adjustment, and lead to increased irritability, impatience, and extreme exhaustion. Parents who have poor psychological adjustments tend to be less involved with their children, and thus engagement with the infant is encouraged, as this can help produce positive effects in terms of responsiveness and attentiveness.
While such times may be stressful and difficult, it is worth remembering that these struggles affect everyone. If you are experiencing any of the issues raised in this newsletter and are feeling overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out for support.
Worried About Someone’s Mental Health?
If you’re concerned about a friend or relative, there are things you can do to help them.
Let them know you’re there
Try to keep in touch
Help them to get help
Anger can manifest in many different ways. When you see your warning signs, try the following:
- Remove yourself from the immediate source of stress if you can.
- Give yourself a mental task to ‘distract’ your mind.
- Change scenery – somewhere peaceful, such as a library or garden.
- Turn off social media, especially mobile phones and email.
Controlling Our Anger
Lifetime Training has launched a Learner Helpline, which is a powerful tool that helps learners through the provision of telephone counselling, advice and referral on a wide variety of work and personal issues.
Our team of professionally qualified counsellors and advisers can offer support and practical advice on a variety of
personal, family and work-related problems. Alternatively learners can book an appointment online.
The 24/7 helpline: 0300 666 7247
www.lifetime-learner.online (the unique password is learnersaccess)
Or via Minicom: 01482 661 911(Minicom hours: Mon-Fri 8am–6pm)