November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to bringing awareness to a wide range of men’s health issues. The aim of the month is to encourage men to start conversations about their health, and to seek support if they need it.

Why is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month important?

Mental health difficulties in men are often under-reported due to various factors, including stigma and societal perceptions. In comparison to women, men are almost half as likely to report seeking professional help for their mental health concerns.

Raising awareness of mental health difficulties in men is not only beneficial to improving the lives of the many men secretly struggling with mental health but is necessary to prevent the devastating consequences of ignoring mental health problems.

Start a conversation

Learn this four-step approach and tackle those important conversations: ALEC: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In. As well as looking after yourself, you may be concerned for a classmate, friend or family member, Movember Conversations has tools and tips for starting conversations with the men in your life.

Look after yourself

Here are some tips for looking after your mental health:

• Connect with others. Join a forum, such as Togetherall, where you can talk to and support others.
• Talk to someone who will listen and not judge. This could be a friend, staff member, relative or professional.
• Practice self-care. Meeting your basic needs such as sleeping, eating well and exercising can make a real difference to your mental and physical wellbeing.
• Reach out. Our Support Services are dedicated to making sure that every student gets the support they need. Reach out for help if you need it and if it makes you feel good, be there for someone else in turn once you are feeling more resilient.

Wellbeing activities - unplug and unwind

Recreational activities are often overlooked when busy or stressed but they can be very effective at managing stress levels and are important for mental and physical wellbeing. We run a number of activities to help you improve your wellbeing. Have a look below at what we offer:

• Sports Game Night, Wednesday 6 November, 3-5pm, The Hub, Treforest.
• Cooking Classes, every Thursday in November, 3-5pm, The Hub, Treforest.
• Protein Shake Pop-up & Fitness Challenges, Tuesday 12 November, 3-5pm, FitZone, Treforest.
• Table Tennis Tournament, Thursday 21 November, 1.30-3.30pm, FitZone, Treforest.
• Craft Sessions: Mug painting, Wednesday 27 November, 1-2.30pm, The Hub, Treforest.

What support is available?

Wellbeing Advice Appointments are 45-minutes long and are available on campus (face to face), by telephone, and Microsoft Teams, and can be booked via Advice Zone Online.

Wellbeing Advice Weekly Drop-in Sessions provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space in which you can discuss any health and wellbeing concerns that you might have in a one-to-one setting.

The Help Yourself Hub has lots of information around self-help, including Togetherall, which is available for free to all USW students.

Further resources

Campaign Against Living Miserably – aimed at men aged 15-35, offering a helpline from 5pm to midnight.

Students Against Depression - mental health advice and support for students.

MatesInMind - a comprehensive list of support services throughout the country; find out about their BeAMate text initiative.