Well, my ‘tache is looking fabulous, how’s yours?
This year, Chappie wants to talk about a very taboo subject. Movember, this year, is not just about fingers up bums checking prostates or feeling around for lumpy balls. No, this November, we’re going to talk about the very shady subject of men’s mental health.
“Oh no, Chappie,” I hear you cry. “We’re men, we don’t talk about things like that.”
That, my friends, is the problem in a nutshell. We men don’t like to talk about our feelings. It’s just not cricket. Preserving one’s manliness is all well & good, but as 75% of suicides are men, something has to be done.
Depression is the most common mental health problem among men today. The stresses and strains of modern life mean that it is affecting more and more people. Despite this, men still don’t like to talk about it and will often write off the symptoms as them just feeling down. Stop that right now. These are the symptoms of depression:
- Lack of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Low energy and motivation
- Sleep problems including sleeping too much or not enough
- Anxiety and lack of concentration
- Being angry or irritable.
Sound familiar? If they do then you need to sort it out. Fortunately, the solution is not to go and bury your head in your girlfriend’s bosom while you weep. You can do that if you like though. There are lots of different options:
- Go and see your GP – they can advise you on the best course of treatment.
- Ring a helpline like the Samaritans – the bonus here is that it is completely anonymous so, if you’re embarrassed, nobody has to know.
If you’re not quite at that stage but feeling a big blue you can boost your mental health using the following techniques:
- Spend quality time with friends and family (not the ones who annoy you, obviously)
- Get active. Outside activities are the best (but maybe not in this weather) but anything will do.
- Do something new. How about learning the ukulele? Or taking up fly fishing like J R Hartley?
- Appreciate nice things around you (like Chappie’s moustache).
- Try not to get stressed about things you can’t control (like not having a moustache as awesome as Chappie’s).
Above all, don’t ignore it or pretend it’s not happening. Face up to your fears about having to talk about your feelings! It’s far more manly then topping yourself, old chap.