I’ve been really getting the inspiration since all the deep work I’ve been to talk more about men’s mental health. This is so important for my heart. Today I thought I’d share my personal five ways I’ve found mental health challenges as a man and what I’ve done about them. Noting of course we all have different things that can impact us.
- The wrong nutrition
Completely underestimated in my opinion in the role of food and drink for mental health. We know that you will put on weight if you don’t eat well or exercise much, but what about the mental impacts? For me alcohol can really make me depressed. High sugars can bring out extreme anxiety for me. Clean water makes me feel energetic and good.
To handle this I’ve become conscious of how I am feeling after food and drink. I write that as a note on my phone. Then daily I will scan my phone to look at those lists. I will even ban certain foods and tell my accountability partner I am banning those foods. If I have any of them I will give a forfeit to him. This has been much stronger than willpower. Willpower doesn’t last without a system.
- The information I am consuming
Consuming too much social media can impact me negatively. If I am looking at comparisons or lack or fear type content. Listening to uplifting videos or content can really help me.
So therefore putting social media restrictions – even what I am looking at has helped me. Then making it mandatory to listen to inspiring teachers a little bit each day or reading Again if you want to make it into a system get an accountability partner and say you’ll pay them £200 if you mess up.
- The people I am hanging out with
Earlier I was hanging out with a fun group from my career. The conversation was playful and fun. I felt great and joyful and I didn’t even need alcohol. I’ve also had times when I’ve hung out with people (who weren’t bad people) but just didn’t fit in with the vibe or energy and did not feel great.
So my recommendation is to start logging who you feel great around and not. Then change your environment to help you even more.
- Talking and sharing with the right people vulnerably
There is a well known idea that men don’t open up or share as much. I believe this to be true, certainly for myself for many years. What I feel is missed is that sharing with the wrong people can actually be a lot more damaging than good.
I’ve shared with people (who are well intentioned) and either they did not have the capacity to listen to me or don’t have the ability. Ever talked to someone and they weren’t truly present with you or they just started projecting unwelcome advice? Yeah unfortunately it happens. If you don’t feel heard but someone, you can stop sharing with them but don’t give up find a professional or hotline like Samaritans to begin with. If you have someone you feel safe with talk to them.
- Not taking action
What does that mean? At the end of the day it’s important to do the inner work whether that is meditation, breathwork, exercise etc. But if you don’t take action on what you say you’re going to do or move to your goals it will damage your confidence and relationship with yourself. If you are in a dark place like I’ve been a few times it’s important to set smaller steps and build up later. Not consistently doing what I said I was going to do was very damaging though. When I take action and celebrate I feel really good, like right now I am writing when I told myself I would.
Conclusion:
We all have different ways of how we’re impacted and mental health. These are five ways that have impacted me and what has helped. I hope it is useful to you and the steps you can take. Remember you are not alone, which is how I’ve felt many times.
Thank you for reading today.
Jonny
©The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Ltd 2025
