What advice would you give to someone who is concerned about a mate?

It’s always best to start with an open, honest conversation with them. This can be tricky if this isn’t something you regularly do, and it’s fair enough if you’re worried about it being awkward, or even making it worse by bringing it up. I would say that majority of the time this doesn’t happen, and your mate would be relieved that you have noticed, and are bringing it up in a genuine and caring way. Beyond that, it may be good to support them to get in touch with a trained professional for ongoing support.

What would you say to a young man who is struggling?

Sometimes it can seem like telling others about your struggle with mental health is a sign of weakness, or goes against what you’ve learned ‘being a man’ is about. If we think of bravery as a key masculine value, then actually I would say the brave thing to do is to admit when you need help, and confront those fears by letting other people into your struggle. Just having someone else listen to your problems and validate them, can help you feel less alone

What are three things you do to look after yourself?

I never underestimate the basics. Good sleep, regular exercise, quality relationships. It’s so easy to let these things slip and then wonder why we aren’t feeling so great, when the answer is often right in front of us.

What are three things you do to look after your health? 

I’m pretty active, I like to get to the gym, on the bike or train at home most days. This is something I took up in my 20s and I wish I’d started sooner.
I think sleep is pretty important – working out how much you realistically need, and trying to get that amount of sleep six of the seven nights each week. Regularity helps here too – I try to get to bed at roughly the same time and get up at the same time most days.
I own two dogs, patting a dog is so good for your mental health, taking them for walks or running in the park, playing fetch. They’re a reason to get up and going, they get you out out of the house everyday, they are full of love and attention and are always glad to see you when you get home. I’m sure cats have positive properties, but I’m a dog person.

What would you say to a young man who is struggling with their mental health?  

My greatest advice would be to be yourself. Try as much as you can to be true to yourself and who you want to be. I’ve noticed that power and strength of people who choose not to confim or change themselves for other people or the expectations of society. And related to this, I’d encourage you to be curious, look out for guys who demonstrate the sort of man you want to be – ask them questions, understand their story and learn from them. Role models really help, especially if you don’t have those role models naturally around you.

How can everyone help support the men in life to look after their health?

Let guys talk and don’t assume that men don’t care about their health. They do! Men just look at health differently. The assumption that men don’t care about their health, means they often aren’t asked about how they can improve it and so they don’t follow the advice or suggestions they are given.