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Men and Mental Health

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Men’s mental health has not been taken seriously for a while now. Depression and loneliness have often been attributed to women alone. Both men and women suffer from mental health disorders. Men’s mental disorder has been a silent crisis. It is an epidemic that is not talked about because men fail to show it. Mental health is focused on women, and the gender gap added to the prevalence of mental disorders among men. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that men are more likely to die by suicide than women. It is a crisis that men tend to repress and not show. They battle with it privately so as not to show signs of weakness. The pandemic in 2020 also added to the breakdown of mental health as men had to stay at home. This made many men go into depression and anxiety. Social isolation made many men suffer from mental health. Surveys around the world have admitted that men suffer from mental health as much as women do. Failure to open up about mental health has led to the death of many persons. More men are on the verge of suicide due to mental health. The best way to find out about mental health among men is to check through suicide statistics around the world. You will be stunned to discover that a lot of men have suffered from this disorder. Through research, web content, and academic studies, men’s mental health came to light. There are many reasons why some men choose to be silent about their struggles with a mental disorder. One of them is that they may be termed weak and feminine when seen as depressed or having anxiety. The socio-cultural way men are seen or portrayed in society tends to make men keep their struggles to themselves. Men that repress and bottle up their anxiety or depression, tend to be aggressive and often sink into further disorders like loneliness. Knowing about it will be the first step to overcoming the disorders. This will aid in understanding your health and improving it. Common Mental Disorders There are some mental health issues out there that many men are suffering from which some may not be aware of. Here are lists of some of the common mental health issues: Depression: This is one of the silent killers of men all over the world. Research conducted by some medical professionals shows that the major cause of suicide in America was caused by depression. Many celebrities have taken their lives due to depression. During an interview, Dwayne Johnson, popularly known as “The Rock” admitted that at some point in his life he has a bout of depression. In his words, “I found that, with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone.” Eating Disorder: This may be considered a minute thing, but it is a disorder that some men fight with daily. Men with this disorder tend to have an intense fear of weight gain or being fat. Loneliness: This may seem like nothing but during the Pandemic lockdown, the social isolation forced many men into loneliness and depression. Separation and divorce seem to be the leading causes of mental health among men. The separation from spouses and children can badly affect them psychologically and thus lead to suicidal thoughts. Tiwa Savage’s ex-husband, Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz suffered from depression in 2016 and also attempted suicide after his marriage with Tiwa Savage crashed. Personality Disorder: Men with this disorder find it hard to relate to people and situations. They have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking. Such men may have been abused verbally or influenced by their peers. Researches have it that they are mainly caused by genetic and environmental influence. Stress: High workload or the need to meet deadlines is a major factor for men to be stressed. Lack of social support may add to the heavy load of stress. The hustle and bustle of city life have a ripple effect on the lives of men as it weakens the body and increases the stress rate among men. Anxiety Disorder: it is a mental disorder that comprises feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily plans. In Nigeria alone, there are about 1.5 million cases reported per year. Men with this disorder tend to be overstressed and unable to set aside worry. They are mainly restless. Martin Luther King has this quote, “everything done in this world is done by hope.” I firmly trust that there is hope and help for every man out there suffering from any form of mental disorder. Apart from educating yourself, you need to take the next step by speaking with a friend or speaking with a medical doctor. Though treatment varies for each mental disorder, opening up and not dying in silence is the first step to getting help. Some forms of treatment are counselling, medication, and psychotherapy.

Understanding, Managing, and Thriving with Mood Swings

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Understanding, Managing and Thriving with Mood swings

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with various highs and lows moment swinging us back and forth. These shifts in mood, often known as mood swings, are a common part of human experience. This essay explores the causes, effects, and practical ways to manage mood swings, aiming to provide a roadmap for a more balanced emotional journey. Understanding the Causes of Mood Swings Mood swings refer to abrupt and noticeable shifts in a person’s emotional state, filled with different periods of happy highs and sad lows. They involve sudden changes in how we feel-going from feeling cheerful and positive one minute to feeling down or irritable the next. It’s like riding a wave of emotions without knowing when the next wave will hit. There are various reasons why a person’s mood can suddenly change, and it sometimes depends on the mental health of such individual. Lisa Fields note that people with bipolar disorder mostly have cases of mood swings. They include: 1. Biological Factors: Changes in hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry can play a significant role in changes in one’s mood. This can occur when ladies have their menstrual cycles. Youths going through the adolescence stage can have unexpected changes in mood. 2. Stress and External Pressures: The work, relationships, and unforeseen challenges act as external forces. These pressures can push our emotions in different directions. 3. Sleep Patterns: Disruptions in sleep can influence one’s mood. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability and emotional imbalance, creating inconsistent highs and lows in our mood. 4. Life Events and Trauma: Significant life events, whether positive or negative, can swiftly change our moods and emotions. Trauma, loss or major life changes can trigger intense mood swings. Effects of Mood Swings on One’s Mental Health The impact of mood swings extends beyond a person’s immediate emotional experience. It also affects our mental wellbeing in various ways: 1. Stress and Anxiety: Mood swings can bring stress and anxiety, especially when you cannot predict or control your emotions. It’s like being on a rollercoaster without knowing when the twists and turns will come. 2. Impact on Relationships: Sudden shifts in mood might make it difficult for others to understand and connect with us. We might end up losing valuable relationships as a result which might lead to worsening health issues. 3. Energy and Productivity: Mood swings can impact a person’s energy levels and productivity at work or in school. High-energy periods may be followed by periods of low motivation. This could then affect the ability to engage in daily tasks consistently. 4. Self-Esteem: Repeated mood swings can take a negative toll on a person’s self-esteem. The emotional ups and downs may lead to self-criticism and doubt, affecting one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Practical Ways to Manage Mood Swings While we may not have complete control over various external factors that contribute to mood swings, there are practical ways to manage this emotional path: 1. Be Self-Aware: Be able to detect what triggers your emotions and be aware of the patterns. You can get a mood journal which will help you identify factors that can contribute to mood swings and provide insights for effective management. 2. Freely Express your Emotions: Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or find a creative outlet to express how you feel. These activities can provide an emotional release that will make you quickly snap out of your mood swings. 3. Live a Healthy Life: Make a healthy lifestyle your priority. Practice exercise regularly; eat balanced diets on a daily basis and have consistent sleep patterns. These will ultimately contribute to emotional resilience and stability. 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routines. Practice meditation and deep breathing. This can help manage stress and promote emotional balance. 5. Seek Professional Support: If your mood swings significantly affect your daily functioning, it is important that you seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Mood swings occur at various times in every human life, but understanding their causes, recognizing their effects on our mental health, and adopting effective management strategies empower us to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience. By incorporating self-awareness, healthy habits, and seeking support when needed, individuals can transform the peaks and valleys of mood swings into a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.

Christmas Clothes: The Importance Of Family Traditions

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Christmas Clothes The Importance Of Family Traditions

The Christmas holiday is one I always look forward to. Apart from the fun and relaxation with friends and family, I always anticipate my Christmas dress. Gifting my siblings and me new clothes and shoes was a tradition every Christmas holiday. This is one age-old tradition that has been past from generation to generation and that I will continually uphold and cherish. The cheesy feeling it brings and the love behind giving us those lovely dresses makes it remarkable. Another family gathering I always look forward to is cross overnight, my whole family is always present as we share, pray, and plan for the new year. Yours might be different from mine. There are certain traditions your parents have instilled in you that have shaped you. I once had a friend who told me that every year, in honor of their mom’s birthday, they visit the orphanage to donate food items and clothing. In turn, this tradition made her regard the less privilege The following are some of the importance of family traditions: 1.  Family traditions carry a special significance for all family members involved. As opposed to family routines which are often basic activities that are necessary to keep the family unit functioning. 2.  Family traditions help to make memories for families that last a lifetime. 3.  It provides children with a sense of security by providing continuity. 4.  It gives family members a strong sense of belonging. 5.  It helps pass on family values, including cultural and religious heritage. Conclusion Family traditions is always something to look forward to as they establish a foundation for family values and serve as special bonding experiences.