This is a topic that I’ve wanted to take a look at for a while, but I wanted to do it justice so I took a bit of time to put it together.
I don’t think anyone paying attention in today’s day and age can deny that men are being left out of the public conversation when it comes to things like mental health, and in general, basic appreciation. That might be a controversial viewpoint to some people, which means this blog might not be for you, and that’s totally okay. For those who do recognize that men are living in a climate today that is less than hospitable, I want to talk this week about men’s health. Particularly, men’s mental health.
It’s still taboo in a lot of cases for men to seek help for their mental health issues. In today’s climate, I don’t blame them at all. Safe spaces for men to be vulnerable are coming up short. Did you know that males die by suicide at more than twice the rate of females? According to Wikipedia, in Canada, the suicide rate averages about 20 males and 5 females per 100,000 population (although I suspect these numbers are higher, especially over the past 4-5 years). In the US, males make up 80% of the suicide rate. Men are dying from suicide at 3-5 times the rate of women. These statistics come from the NIH, Wikipedia, and the CDC. Wikipedia also states that worldwide, the incidence of suicide is vastly higher among males than females among all age groups in most of the world. As of 2015, almost two-thirds of worldwide suicides (1.5% of all deaths) are by men. Again, I suspect that number is higher. Especially in the last few years.
Men are less likely than women to receive formal mental health support of any kind.
I was very troubled when I read these numbers, and I think it should be troubling to all of us. I understand that maybe it’s not in a man’s nature to want to talk openly about his mental health. Places that are safe for men to be vulnerable about what they’re experiencing need to exist, however.
From situational circumstances, to gut health, there are many things that can affect mental health and it’s important to address this from both a physical and a mental perspective. The connection between the gut and the brain is never talked about as much as it should be, and we need to change that. Coping tools for situational circumstances are also very useful to have.
Starting this autumn, I’ll be offering cognitive behavioural coaching that goes hand-in-hand with holistic nutrition. Combining these two methods allows me to create a wellness plan that provides different perspectives and coping tools for stressful situations and a nutritional plan to cleanse, reset, and make sure your body’s getting the nutrients it needs to help you feel your best.
It starts with a trustworthy place to open up, and from there, a wellness plan to get you on track to taking control of your health and feeling your best, naturally.
Contact me with any questions you have. You can book an intake here. Cognitive behavioural coaching principles will be a part of my practitioner toolkit as of September 30th, 2024.
Don’t forget, Men’s Health Month is every June. Please show your support.
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