Men’s Mental Health Month with Joseph from Health in Mind

To celebrate Men’s Mental Health Month we want to shine a spotlight on a service that provides support to men within Midlothian and we reached out to Joseph, a Peer Support Coordinator in the Recovery and Justice Support Service from Health in Mind to hear about the work he does and how he keeps himself well.

Do you live and/or work in Midlothian and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well?

In my role as Peer Support Coordinator I promote, recruit, develop, manage, and lead paid and unpaid supporters and recovery volunteers to provide peer support in Midlothian for people recovering from substance use, mental health issues and involvement in offending behaviour.

Breaking stereotypes

The people I work with and support are regularly stigmatised by society. We know stigmatising and stereotyping can be harmful as it discourages men from discussing their feelings or seeking help when needed. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a platform to challenge these stereotypes and encourage open conversations. At Recovery and Justice we believe that our peer support volunteers, and their lived experience can help break the cycle of self-stigma amongst our client group through the sharing of stories.

Physical and mental health connection

Mental health is closely linked to physical health. Men’s mental well-being is crucial for overall health. Recovery and Justice has made physical wellbeing a focus point for a couple of our groups including our Monday Afternoon Football Group led by myself and our Walking Group led by Isla McLeod (S&D).

Having facilitated the football for the past eighteen months I have seen the difference football can make, we are seeing members of the group develop leadership skills, good-work ethic, teamworking, emotional regulation and of course dropping a few pounds here and there.

A quote from one of the football participants:

“Health In Mind Football has changed my life…my outlook and the way I handle things, it has given me focus.”

Here are some practical tips and advice to help men dealing with mental health challenges:

• Talk about it
  It’s good for men to talk about their feelings and experiences. This can be with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Bottling up emotions can exacerbate mental health issues.
• Seek professional help
  If you’re struggling with mental health, consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counsellor. They can provide tailored support and strategies.
• Physical health
  Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining good mental health. These practices can have a profound impact on your mood and overall wellbeing.
• Mindfulness and meditation
  Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and anxiety. They can be particularly beneficial for men experiencing work-related stress.
• Social support
  Maintain and nurture your social connections if they are helpful and positive. Spending time with friends and family can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Avoid self-medicating
  Turning to substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope with mental health issues is not a sustainable solution and over time, they can worsen the symptoms of poor mental health.

Find out more about Health in Mind and the support they offer.