Men’s Mental Health Conversation on Blue Monday

As a 100% Employee Owned company, we at Itec empower our team to use their voice and share what matters to them. Our Customer Service Manager, Jamie Young, is doing just that by opening up about a topic close to his heart – men’s mental health.

In this blog, Jamie shares his thoughts, experiences, and insights on a subject that impacts us all. Let’s take a moment to reflect and start a conversation about mental health, especially as we navigate Blue Monday.

I’m a big advocate for Men’s mental health (and Mental health in general) – Its HUGELY important to me!
I have supported several close friends and family members who have struggled over the years – and sadly, a few close friends who have lost the struggle too.
Men often don’t want to talk about their mental health.

Historically it’s not something that has been very common as it’s a regular perception amongst men and boys that they must ‘be strong’ and often a ‘rock of stability in a relationship.’

There has historically been a stigma around men opening-up about their feelings, and thus any sort of conversation in that area will make a lot of men close themselves off.
Even to this day, as small children get upset, a dad will often say to their little boy ‘don’t cry – boys don’t cry’ and its statements to this effect that reinforces the mindset from a young age.

It’s linked to the perceptions of Gender identity which haven’t evolved in decades, although are now being challenged more and more.

In my experience men bottle up their thoughts, feelings, and struggles, and whilst its something that is improving as awareness grows, there is still a lot of work to do to make men’s mental health an open and casual talking point.

I find extremely heavy music is good for stress haha 😝 – Though in truth, having so many people in my life that I have had to support with their struggles is what has caused me to educate myself around mental health, but also maintain a strong ‘core’ within myself.

Personally, I would recommend:
• Regular sleep –  (Typical cycles are between 90-120 minutes, so timing your rest around a complete cycle has the most benefit)
• Eat Healthy – (SO many people don’t realise that mental health is linked to the stuff you put in your body – Processed sugars, trans-fats, additives & chemicals all impact your mind and feeling of ‘self.’)
• Exercise – 30 minutes a day will make a HUGE difference. Release those endorphins!
• Mindfulness – Helps you feel calmer, cope with difficult emotions & stress and also aides with your self-awareness and positivity.
• STAY HYDRATED – Feeling sluggish and run-down? Its amazing what two litres of water-a-day will change in how you feel.
• Meditation – Not everyone’s vibe, but like mindfulness, if you are willing to give it a go it can help a huge amount with reducing anxiety, stress and improve your focus and self-awareness – It doesn’t have to be a Hippie-ish kinda thing (No tye-dye required).

I’d recommend apps like (All great):
• Headspace
• Calm
• Tappy
• Wysa

Support groups:
• Andy’s Man Club (❤️) – They have groups in Pontypridd, Merthyr, Abergavenny and (I think Porthcawl) – They have online support groups too
• Mind – A great resource
• CAVAMH – South Wales support group. They are a registered Charity.
• Hafan Y Coed – NHS support based in Llandough hospital.
• YOUR GP – Probably the most important one. Never be afraid to talk to your GP who everyone will have access to
• Friends – (Not the TV show) Talking to your friends and having a support group is hugely beneficial and can make a world of difference.