International Men’s Day: The Need for Awareness

Every year, International Men’s Day serves as a reminder of the challenges men face, particularly when it comes to mental health. Often overlooked, the numbers remain sobering despite progress in opening up discussions around mental health. A WHO report looking into suicide numbers worldwide revealed that globally, men account for 75% of suicide deaths. Additionally, the suicide rates were particularly high among middle-aged men. We think it highlights the damning reality about the state of men’s mental health on a global level. Fortunately, social movements like Movember have garnered force over recent years. The movement aims to tackle key areas where men face challenges; mental health support, suicide prevention and prostate cancer.

The UAE’s demographic is predominantly peopled by significantly more men than women in an almost 70:30 ratio. Age wise, the vast majority of people fall between 25-54 years of age, indicating a working population. What’s interesting to note is that almost 90% of its population is made up of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Iran and Egypt. A notable factor is that men in almost all these countries face strong societal expectations to be sole providers for their families. This often leads to immense stress, with studies showing higher rates of anxiety and depression among men juggling multiple roles. The International Journal of Men’s Health (IJMH) has a range of excellent peer reviewed articles for those interested in exploring further.

Staying on the topic of men’s mental health, research indicates that only a small percentage of men who experience mental health issues seek professional help. This information provided by the APA highlights a persistent stigma that prevents many from getting the support they need.

At LUBM, we have more female students than male. However, most of our students face the same challenges: juggling work, studies, and family. The business degrees we offer are more than just a career move to them. They are an opportunity to gain tools for professional success and managing the pressures of life.

The Unique Challenges Male Students Face

As an educational institution serving ambitious professionals from the Middle East, we have grown attuned to our students’ needs and challenges. Over the past decade, we have seen first hand the complex realities many of our male students navigate. However, our male students face their own unique challenges, just like our female students.

A challenge for anyone, they must balance work alongside their academics. With many students working full time jobs, managing deadlines for both can lead to burnout. Further, many of our students contend with contributing to their families simultaneously. It can be taxing to be a present and engaged parent at the best of times. However, doing so while juggling two other major spheres of life is a big ask, indeed.

Additionally, it should be noted that traditional masculine roles place expectations on men. These include being a family’s primary breadwinner and appearing strong and self-reliant. This makes it difficult to acknowledge vulnerabilities or seek help. There is a progressive shift away from it. However, it continues to discourage men from asking for and receiving support for their mental health.

Tips for Maintaining Mental Health While Studying

At LUBM, we are committed to helping our learners maintain their emotional balance. Catering to busy professional schedules is a part of why we offer 100% online courses. Thus, we have compiled a list of things that students can employ in the UAE. These strategies will help working professionals thrive academically and personally.

Build a Support System

In the words of the poet John Donne; “No man is an island.” Wise words that might apply more than we think to the men’s mental health epidemic. We hope that readers will allow themselves to lean on family, friends, and acquaintances for support. Be it academic, professional, or personal stress. Besides, it may not feel easy to do so, but you may discover that it’s more common than you think.

We previously mentioned that men are less likely to seek professional help for their mental health. Social norms are hard to unlearn, but dealing with difficulties in life can be easier than it is today. Struggling with anxiety or depression does not have to be an alienating experience. Therapy, counselling and psychiatric care have become more destigmatized and normalised than ever before. Additionally, online resources have made it much more accessible, affordable, and available. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional if needed.

Take Care of Your Body

Studies have long connected physical and mental health. Both affect the other. You may have watched films in which an old people family member has a heart attack after hearing some shocking news. That is possible, and it’s an example of your mental state affecting your body.

However, the opposite is also true. If your body is well cared for and mostly healthy, it can positively impact your mental health. Regular exercise, even for 30 minutes a day, can boost mood and energy levels. Complementing that with a balanced diet and good hydration can help your mental health more than you think.

Master Time Management

Managing your time perfectly is hard. Sometimes unexpected events can change the course of your day. However, it is worth it to get into the habit of managing your time. A study published in 2008 by B J C Claessens revealed that effective time management reduces stress and improves performance. We could all do with a little less stress in our lives.

You can start small, by planning ahead and using tools to help you. Some people prefer digital calendars or task management tools, while others prefer planners. A challenging part of anxiety is that it often leads to us exhibiting a ‘freeze response’. And most often, it manifests as procrastination. A simple solution to start with if you struggle with this is to break tasks into smaller, reasonable chunks. Take care to prioritize necessary tasks by identifying them and listing them down. These tricks can help us master our own time and reduce stress.

Incorporate Mindfulness: Celebrate Your Achievements

We think of mindfulness and our minds jump to meditation. Perhaps that’s not for all of us, though it does help. We can incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives by allocating as little as five minutes a day to deep breathing and reflection.

Part of it is to avoid taking on more than you can manage socially, or at work. It’s great (and necessary) to complete assigned tasks but take a moment before adding something new to your plate. Meanwhile, acknowledge your successes. Even small successes, like getting through a tough week, or doing well on an exam qualify. Celebrate your small wins, and recognize your growth.

Education and Mental Health

When structured thoughtfully, your education can be a source of strength for your mental health. At LUBM, our programs are designed to help through affordability, flexibility, and excellent staff support.

• Flexibility

  Our online programs enable students to manage their studies on their own time. This helps reduce the stress of rigid schedules that clash with work or personal commitments.

• Supportive Community

  As a learner at LUBM, you connect with peers who are also working professionals. It helps to have a group of people who are facing similar challenges as your peers. And our networking opportunities allow learners to foster a sense of camaraderie and support.

Supporting Men Beyond the Classroom

This International Men’s Day, we honour the resilience and dedication of men everywhere, particularly our students. Pursuing education is no easy feat, especially when balancing work, studies, and family life. As an institution, we are committed to fostering not only academic success but also the mental well-being of our students.

Mental health matters. And for every male student working to better himself through education, know that we see your efforts. LUBM is here to support you in every way that we can. We do our best, but we are always open to suggestions. May this Movember bring positive changes to your life.