You may find it strange to find a Women’s Wellness practitioner to be focussing on men’s wellbeing. But time and time again, I see women expressing their concerns for their husband/partner or male family member, and the deep sadness that they don’t quite know how to help them. My expertise is holding space for the women who are supporting the men and helping them find ways to keep the ship afloat for both of you.
To be on the outside looking in on someone who is withdrawn, moody, or rejects offers of help can leave many women feeling helpless and holding so much weight on behalf of the man, as they try to alleviate the stress.
We don’t need to do this alone. Women are at their most powerful when they come together and support each other. If you don’t have anyone to share your concerns with, look around you – you may have friends who are going through the same. Or, you may prefer to seek the confidential, impartial support from a professional, whichever you choose, will undoubtedly lesson the burden and you will feel less alone.
Feminine energy has been returning over the last few decades, with women becoming more empowered in the workplace, equal pay, and more recently menopause awareness and sisterhood circles. The downside of the scales tipping in the last few decades has been the villainised view of men as the generational anger women have been feeling has poured out. Men have traditionally had the overpowering energy, but as the balance has changed, men feel they don’t have a role anymore.
In 2021, ¾ of suicides recorded were men. As women heal their generational wounds and reclaim their power, it is time to acknowledge the pain our men are feeling too. Let’s not leave them behind.
My top ways to help your man without him even knowing; –
1. Encouraging Open Communication
Create a Safe Space: Show empathy and understanding so they feel safer to express their feelings without judgement. The biggest thing we all long for is to feel understood.
Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving your full attention, validating their feelings, and avoiding interrupting.
2. What Sounds is he hearing?
The frequency of Sound our physical selves ‘hear’ has a direct effect on our mood and emotions. Think of how music is used in films to create a sense of suspense, romance or anger. Create a calmer environment in your home instantly by playing relaxing music, or perhaps something that evokes old happy memories.
Become aware of the vibration of your voice. Even if we spoke a different language, we can gauge someone’s intent of their words by the pitch, intensity or tone. This has a direct effect on the receiver’s response. Think of how we might soothe a baby, using soft sounds like ‘ssh’, ‘mmm’, or ‘oooh’. Through our vocal sound, we can create a supportive, less-confrontational environment for open communication.
3. Practicing Patience and Understanding
Be Patient: Understand that opening up about mental health can be challenging. Be patient and give them time to express themselves. Remember that men heal at a different pace to women.
Offer Consistent Support: Regularly check in on their well-being and offer consistent support, showing that you care about their mental health.
4. Building a Supportive Network
Strengthen Social Connections: Help men build and maintain a strong social network. Encourage them to reach out to friends and family for support and connection.
Join Support Groups: Suggest joining men’s support groups or online communities where they can share experiences and advice. Even local interest groups can create a place to connect with others so they can feel part of a community whilst enjoying a new hobby.
5. Leading by Example
Model Open Communication: Demonstrate open communication about your own mental health, showing that it’s okay to talk about feelings.
Self-Care Practices: Practice and promote self-care, demonstrating its importance in maintaining mental health. This does not need to be verbalised – actions speak louder than words.
Women play a pivotal role in men’s health, and together we can create a compassionate and supportive new ground for men to grow and flourish, allowing healing to occur, resulting in a wonderful future for all.
If you’re supporting a man or others in your life, remember we cannot pour from an empty cup. The greatest gift we can give our loved ones is to make sure we are supported and practice self-care first, so we can love with more patience and energy.
It is time to heal together.
How I can Help:-
My monthly membership is a great first step towards self-care, packed with resources and monthly healing to support your own wellbeing.
My one-2-one sessions provide a confidential safer space for you to feel supported while we work together through anything that is concerning you.
I hold regular Sound Baths which are a wonderful way to share quality relaxation time together, deepening your connection as a couple. There are no personal questions raised, unlike a one-2-one session, which can be more agreeable for men.
If you are not in my area, I highly recommend asking if they have a Sound Bath Facilitator’s qualification before booking one in your area.
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