Empowering minds A comprehensive guide for men navigating mental health

Tanner Kenyon Staff Reporter

Amid the hustle and stress of university existence, men can cultivate healthy mental habits by embracing a gradual approach to self-improvement.

University life can be a rollercoaster ride, with the excitement of independence, the stress of academic demands and the navigation of new social landscapes. For men in particular, societal expectations can often lead to the neglect of mental health.

This article intends to be a guide of sorts and is comprised of practical tips and strategies, emphasizing the significance of small, consistent changes. This guide advocates for changes in various aspects of life such as fostering positive self-talk to incorporating exercise into one’s daily routines. Young men are empowered to go on a transformative journey toward enhancing one’s mental well-being, one manageable step at a time.

Mental health in general is a delicate subject as we never know who is struggling. However, it is common for men to have misconceptions and negative stigmas surrounding that aspect of life. Over 6 million men struggle with depression every year and 2.3 million Americans are affected by bipolar disorder, according to an article published by Mental Health America, a leading mental health nonprofit.

The goal is to always be better than you were yesterday, whether it be a small or large change. That has been my personal mantra for as long as I can remember. I have struggled with mental health throughout my life, and have become more aware about the importance of mental health. Now saying that, these are tips and strategies that I have incorporated into my own daily routine that I believe to be beneficial.

Positive Self Talk: Positive self-talk and optimism can be powerful tools for managing stress and improving overall health. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our minds 24/7. If these thoughts are mostly positive, they can contribute to an optimistic outlook on life, which can be beneficial to mental health.

Self-affirmations, or uplifting statements to oneself, can be powerful tools to foster self-confidence and reduce stress. An example of self-affirmation would be “I am constantly growing and evolving into a better person.

Exercise: Physical activity is another crucial aspect of maintaining and improving mental health. It is imperative one incorporates exercise into their daily routine. It can serve as a powerful stress-reliever and could even serve as a mood booster. Making any form of exercise a part of your daily routine can significantly enhance one’s mental well-being. Whether it be a quick jog in the morning, a few minutes of yoga or even a game of basketball with friends, every single activity helps.

Exercise has been proven to improve mental health in people all around the world. This was proven by the American Psychological Association. The article goes on to advocate that exercise strengthens the mind’s muscles, boosts mental health and can even improve memory.

Utilizing Available Resources:

Universities offer numerous resources to support stu- dents’ mental health, including counseling services and stressmanagement workshops. Don’t hesitate to make use of these resources if needed. Always remember this: seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a provocative and aware step toward a better life.

While universities provide an array of mental health resources, it can be beneficial to seek services outside of a university setting if so desired. Therapy, in particular, can be an invaluable tool for navigating stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Finding a therapist that you connect with can offer you a safe space to express your feelings, gain insight into your emotions and develop effective coping strategies.

You are never alone, never forget that. Now saying that, there are hundreds of resources available to you wherever you are located. Therapy often has a negative stigmatization around it which I personally believe is unfair. I have been to therapy before, and it has helped me immensely. It is all a matter of finding the right therapist for you. You don’t even have to see them consistently if the situation is overwhelming to you, just whenever needed.

Foster Strong Relationships:

Having a strong support system is ideal as it can act as a buffer against mental health issues. You should make an effort to maintain a strong relationship with your friends and family, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Universities often have clubs or groups that provide opportunities for socializing and meeting new people that share similar mindsets. An example of a club at Oklahoma State would be Active Minds, which is a nonprofit organization. Remember, mental health is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small and consistent changes to your daily routine that add up over time. No matter how big the step may be, it is important to at least always take a small one. By incorporating these tips into your life, you’ll have taken the first step to improving your mental well-being. Take it one step at a time and remember to celebrate the victories along the way. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com