Self-care is gender-neutral
Make space in the man cave for mental health.
Article Author: Johnny Woodhouse
Article Date:
Even though men encounter stressful life events at the same or greater rates as women, it’s no secret that women participate in therapy at a much higher rate than men.
Why don't men prioritize self-care?
“Many cultures stigmatize men's expression of emotion,” said De’Von Patterson, PhD, a psychologist with Baptist Behavioral Health. “Men are expected to just 'bottle it up,' or deal with it 'like a man.'”
Men need self-care, too, but that doesn’t mean receding deeper into the man cave. By intentionally adding simple enhancements to their daily life, such as more exercise or meditation, men can improve their ability to regulate emotions.
“Exercise makes just about everything better and easier,” said Dr. Patterson. “Additionally, stress management can be simplified to considering what things you should add or subtract from your life.”
For example, you might add more exercise to your daily routine and subtract the number of projects you take on at work. And instead of plopping down on the couch or the recliner after work, get down on the floor and stretch to iron out the kinks from a sedentary lifestyle.
Tidying up the garage or workshop, watering plants or feeding backyard birds are other ways to wind down around the house.
Other self-care tips for men
- Know your burnout signs
- Document your feelings in a journal
- Hang out with like-minded people
“Opening up to others is often one of the most helpful things to do in a stressful time,” Dr. Patterson said. “Find someone you trust to share your feelings. It’s unrealistic for a man to expect to manage the stresses of life without some difficulty. For those considering therapy, multiculturally competent clinicians can provide culturally sensitive therapy that considers and honors one's values.”
Self-care isn't just for special occasions. Don’t try to “squeeze” it into a busy weekend. Self-care for men means finding the small things that matter and making space for them daily.
Said philosopher William James, considered the father of American psychology, “the greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
Are you having trouble managing stress?
Schedule an appointment with Baptist Behavioral Health by calling 904.376.3800. You can also find quick and easy access to behavioral health services through your primary care doctor thanks to Baptist Health's Collaborative Care Model. To learn more or find a primary care provider, call 904.202.4YOU(4968) or fill out the appointment request form.
