International Men’s Day: 9 tips to take care of your mind, so you can take care of theirs

Wednesday (19 November) was International Men’s Day, celebrated each year to raise awareness of men’s wellbeing. 

In line with this year’s theme, Celebrating Men and Boys, among the key aims is to highlight some of the social issues that men and boys face, from boys struggling at school to men struggling with their mental health.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) calls on men across the country to be 'strong enough to talk'. 

“We want men to know that real strength is found in speaking openly, reaching out when they are struggling, and supporting one another through life’s challenges." 

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SADAG shares a practical way to take care of your mental health:

1. Talk it out: you don’t have to go through things alone, talk to a friend, family member or counsellor

2. Move your body – physical activity doesn’t just strengthen your body, but it also boosts your mood

3. Prioritise rest – try and get enough sleep, exhaustion can make stress and anxiety worse

4. Eat well and stay hydrated – what you put in your body affects how you feel

5. Stay connected – isolation can make your struggles feel heavier

6. Manage stress in healthy ways – find what helps you unwind and practice small daily habits to help de-stress

7. Ask for help early – if you are struggling, don’t wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help

8. Give back and show kindness – helping others also improves your own mental well-being

9. Redefine strength – real strength isn’t about pretending that everything is fine, it is about showing up for yourself, speaking up and taking care of your mind

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