By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Whether it’s a trait directly related to male gender or a tendency of how men care for their health, men’s health needs can be different from women’s. To safeguard and improve their physical and mental health, men and those who love them should heed these health tips from area experts:
• “Many men grow up thinking they must be strong all the time and keep their emotions inside, often being afraid to let anyone know how they are truly feeling. Here is the truth though. Mental health is just as important as physical health and therefore, we want to ensure that men know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness as it is so often stereotyped.
• “Here’s something serious to think about: men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s why it’s so important to speak up, support one another and have honest check-ins with men about how they are feeling. While checking in, it is important to know and understand some of the common signs of mental health struggles in men which tend to include but is not limited to the following: feeling sad, angry or hopeless often; sleeping too much or too little; losing interest in things you used to enjoy; trouble focusing or making decisions; feeling tired all the time; using alcohol or drugs more than usual; and thinking about self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know shows these signs, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional and please understand you are not alone, and help is available.
• “If you find yourself struggling this month, consider also trying some simple ways to increase your mental health and feel better which may include but again is not limited to going for a walk or getting outside; exercise regularly — even 15 minutes helps; talk to a friend or family member try breathing or relaxation exercises; set small goals for your day; get enough sleep and eat well; and limit alcohol and screen time. Some of these steps may seem too simple to work, but they are in fact incredibly useful tools to boost mental health.
• “If you’re in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 anytime to connect with a trained crisis counselor. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.
• “Mental health affects more people than you think. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Providers are working hard to increase support and services to make mental health care more accessible to the community. If you’re struggling, reach out. Getting the help you need may be simpler and more convenient than you realize.
• “If you live in Oswego County and are passionate about or would like to learn more about mental health resources that are available, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Oswego County Suicide Coalition at preventioncoalitionstaff@gmail.com to learn more and get involved.”
— Travis Bulluck, manager at Suicide Prevention Coalition in Oswego.
• “What we do, what we eat, and when we sleep are the key points to physical, mental health.
• “The more you move and remain strong, the better off you are. It doesn’t have to be a complicated gym routine; it can be a 20-minute walk each day.
• “Healthy bodies are built from healthy foods, and it must be in proportion to how much you move. If you don’t know what’s healthy, there are plenty of free or paid apps to help track what and how much you eat and set goals. Some even let you take a picture of your food and AI figures it all out for you.
• “Sleep is when our bodies repair and recover. If you’re not sleeping, it’s like idling your car in the garage overnight. Something is going to break down before you expect it.
• “Men today are more isolated and less social than ever compared to any other demographic.
• Mental health flourishes when we have meaningful — not online or virtual — relationships with other people. Find a group, friend or activity that involves talking to people and sharing experiences and ideas. Men need to work harder to find safe places to express emotion and work through feelings without fearing reprisal. It may require talking to a professional if no one else can allow vulnerability without judgment.”
— John Ringhisen, board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Upstate Medical University and director of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Upstate and the ADHD Clinic. Ringhisen also serves as an adjunct professor at the Norton School of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
Men’s Health Month is observed annually during the month of June. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues that affect men and boys, and encouraging them to take proactive steps to improve their overall well-being.
Key objectives of Men’s Health Month include:
• Raising Awareness: Highlighting preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.
• Promoting Healthy Habits: Encouraging men to adopt healthier lifestyles through diet, exercise, and regular checkups.
• Encouraging Preventive Care: Emphasizing the importance of regular medical screenings and check-ups.
• Supporting Men’s Mental Health: Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraging men to seek support when needed.
• Promoting Family Engagement: Recognizing that men’s health impacts families and encouraging loved ones to support men in their health journeys.