Time to Perform a Routine Check-in on Male Individuals
Men's silence on mental health matters can have detrimental effects on their well-being. It's high time we encouraged them to speak up and address their issues. This November, in line with Men's Health Awareness Month, let's make an effort to ask the men around us the right questions, showing them they matter.
Our website data shows that once men are in therapy, they express their sentiments almost as freely as women do. Society's norms often discourage men from openly expressing their emotions, but normalizing the discussion of feelings can help men feel comfortable enough to be more transparent with a therapist.
But you don't need to be a therapist to start a mental health conversation. Here's a list of questions curated by our mental health professionals that'll help you get the men in your life talking:
- What's been weighing on your mind lately?
- What activity or experience from your past do you wish you had more of today?
- What makes you feel most content and least stressed?
- If you wake up in the middle of the night, what thoughts keep you up?
- What have you been doing during your free time?
- What new activities have you recently enjoyed?
- What's been bothering you lately?
- Could you describe an experience or event that significantly affected you?
- Is there something you'd like to talk about?
- What can I do to support you better?
Asking open-ended questions like these gives the men in your life-be it your partner, friend, sibling, or colleague-the opportunity to open up if they need to. If initiating a conversation feels awkward, try framing it as sharing experiences: "It seems like you're dealing with some stress too, let's talk about it."
Remember, the setting and context are essential. Make sure to ask or show concern in a private and comfortable setting. An honest and open approach will create a sense of safety, enabling you to have a meaningful conversation.
If your conversation partner doesn't give an extensive response, remember that your thoughtful question has shown them that you truly care, and it might have sparked some self-reflection in them. If they open up with deep thoughts, strong feelings, or insights about their inner life, listen without judgment, wait to respond, and validate their feelings.
Men need support to process their thoughts, and therapy can provide a safe space to do that. The therapeutic process can help men participate once they trust the therapist, and they can find relief by expressing themselves without judgment.
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, don't hesitate to use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. Remember,ptember is a time to check in on the men in our lives and to remind them that their mental health matters. Let's create a more supportive and judgment-free environment where men can feel comfortable speaking about their feelings.
During discussions about mental health, it's crucial to remember that asking open-ended questions, such as "What's been bothering you lately?" or "Is there something you'd like to talk about?" can help men feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts and feelings. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, we can encourage men to seek help and prioritize their mental health, which is just as important as physical health in the realm of health-and-wellness.
