01/11/2024
๐น๐ ๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ - ๐ ๐๐ก๐ฆ ๐ ๐๐ก๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ก๐ง๐๐นโฃ
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Gentlemen, we are all familiar with the concept of the movement which began in 2003 with the primary aim of raising awareness, and money, to support the battle against male cancers such as prostrate and testicular.โฃ
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Since its inception, 21 years ago, the foundation has grown, evolved and expanded to encompass all aspects of Mens Health. Due largely to this momentum, the month of ๐๐ค๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ฃโ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ & ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ. โฃ
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Over the last few years, a growing emphasis on Mental Health has seen other organisations, such as also adopt November as their official Menโs Mental Health Month.โฃ
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These incredible institutions and their campaigns are now serving to elevate the profile of this tragically-under-recognised topic, break down the stigma surrounding it, and provide forums where men can openly talk about such issues. โฃ
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Traditionally, amongst men of my age and above, talking about such matters was treated as taboo and, for many, seen as a sign of weakness, fragility or even a lack masculinity! โฃ
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Encouragingly, however, during the last couple of years, I have had so many conversations with men, both clients and friends, where the discussion has invariably swung around to the subject of mental health, stress and anxiety! โฃ
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These personal experiences may well indicate an increase in the prevalence of such issues - no doubt compounded by global events of the last 4 years. โฃ
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More positively though, it suggests that the highlighting work of these pioneering organizations is indeed starting to pay dividends! โฃ
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Men are beginning to break the silence, step out from behind the societal suit of armor, and confront these issues with the same confidence and acceptance as they would a pulled hamstring or a bad back! โฃ
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I am no psychologist but I do wish to talk about mental health or, more specifically, mental wellness and state of mind, as it pertains to overall health and well-being, and the bilateral relationship that exists between our mind and bodies! ๐๐ผโฃ
