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Men’s Health Week this year focuses on the coronavirus pandemic and encourages men to Take Action on Covid-19. The week-long campaign looks at avoiding the spread of the disease and ways men can adhere to social distancing guidelines.
One particular aspect, however – which concentrates mens’ efforts on ‘taking action to get the best out of lockdown and the new normal’ – allows us to explore its impact on men’s mental health.
It will be further explored in a specially-curated event being offered by Action Mental Health’s MensSana team when men will be invited to learn self-care techniques to support their mental health.
The bitesize session, based on AMH MensSana’s ‘Provoking Thought’ programme, will identify issues facing men during the lockdown and will offer signposting to further support services available to men.
The event takes place twice per day during Men’s Health Week at 10.30am and 7.30pm via Zoom and will last 30 minutes. Sessions are free and you can enrol for them here.
Largest psychological experiment ever
Dr Elke Van Hoof, Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, described the continuing lockdown as the largest psychological experiment ever, with some 2.6bn people across the world its reluctant subjects.
With one in ten people suffering from a mental health disorder around the world – and one in five in Northern Ireland – the Covid-19 pandemic will be proving a particularly anxious and uncertain time.
A new well-being hub for Northern Ireland launched last week and is packed full of helpful resources and links to support, the site can be reached by clicking on: mindingyourhead.info
As Men’s Health takes place, we should all encourage the men in our life to:
For more help and advice on managing feelings and relaxation techniques visit Every Mind Matters and NHS’ mindfulness page and NHS mental wellbeing audio guides
