Q: How might men be able to navigate the ever changing face of support?
Here it is where it gets tricky.
Support networks pop up and disappear as fast as you can google them.
It comes down to resources most of the time and cyclical funding models that respond to whatever societal issue is deemed pressing at the time.
I normally prefer a proactive approach. It is not really about what will I do, where will I go if I, or someone I know, is unwell but rather let me figure out how can I build my resilience and learn tools to face the inevitable challenges life will dish out. We can be sure of one thing unfortunately. We will, in the course of our lifetime go through times of crisis. So how do we respond or better said, how do we prepare?
Mental health wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Ask yourself what feels good, right and positive as far as my emotional wellness is concerned and build around that. Look at the past for inspiration.
For example, if I recognise that I truly value connection, well it may be helpful to do something about it. Call your mates (don’t wait for them to call you), join a club, belong to an organization.
Chat to your GP when you are feeling well. Don’t wait for the symptoms to arise. A short consult can yield interesting results. Be curious and open. Remember it’s okay to be vulnerable, actually it is powerful!
I don’t mean to sound overly simplistic here, I recognise that any shift in attitudes can require countless hours of emotional toil. You just don’t have to do it alone. We’re in it together. We all are.
