When we talk about mental health an area that generally does not get enough coverage and importance is mental health in Men. They are often expected to be strong, unwavering pillars of support for others, which might deter them from getting the mental health care they need. If males confess to having depression or other mental health problems, they could worry about being stigmatized or viewed as less manly. Through time and history we have seen many great men who despite suffering from mental health issues have also achieved success in their respective fields . some while they were alive and some after their time. Van Gogh is a classic example of a great creative mind and artist whose work sells for millions now. His art came out of great mental turbulence and poor mental health. There have been many creative and brilliant minds among men who have, despite their mental health issues, been pioneers of great work. John Nash is also another great example who made contributions in Mathematics and was also awarded the Nobel Memorial prize, John von Neumann theory prize etc. His struggles with schizophrenia and his recovery was made into an Oscar winning movie named Beautiful Minds.Now let us take a deeper look into living with schizophrenia and it’s gender based stigma to have a better understanding:Understanding the various elements that impact stigma in schizophrenia is crucial for effective treatment of the condition. Men with schizophrenia said they were single, that they concealed their condition from others and on job applications, and that they felt ashamed and ridiculed. They stated that the worst venues for them to suffer stigma were their places of employment. Women talked about how stigma affected their marriages, pregnancies, and deliveries. Both sexes disclosed certain cultural misconceptions regarding their illnesses and the detrimental effects they had on their lives.Men are more likely than women to develop schizophrenia, and they also tend to do so at a younger age—men typically get schizophrenia five years younger than women. Recent evidence suggests that genetic and biochemical factors associated with psychoses may also provide an increased propensity to think creatively.For as long as people have been writing things down, psychoses and creativity have been associated. Using mostly biographical and historical documents together with interviews, has shown more recently that there is a connection between mood problems and artistic creativity. These studies have a few drawbacks while providing strong data and an intriguing look into the family history of creative people. Firstly, while historical studies offer valuable motivation to explore the relationship between psychoses and creativity, they only focus on prominent figures from history, leaving out those who managed to elude the scrutiny of mainstream written records.  Though there has long been a theory linking creativity with psychopathology, empirical research on this relationship did not start until the last century. Another example is Franz Kafka who wrote in a completely original style exploring existential ideas about life. The Trial and Metamorphosis are two of his better known stories. Kafka was a loner, a genius, who suffered from social anxiety and depression. In the honour of Franz Kafka, the Franz Kafka price was presented as an international literary award. To conclude he proves to be another classic example of how men who faced mental illness have worked through their challenges and societal stigma to still go ahead and carve a niche for themselves in their respective fields.  This gives us some perspective on how men have dealt with the issue of mental illness through history and time.Contributed by Pavitra V.S, Grade 11 - EuroSchool HSRShe actively engages in animal rescuing and her interests include reading, crochet and kickboxing.Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by msandersmusic on Pixabay

Mental well being continues to be a taboo subject for many men and also regarding the mental well being of men particularly. Although mental health issues affect both genders, men’s mental health has generally received less attention and support. Men who express feelings of despair are labeled weak and unmanly by society causing their mental problems to be overlooked and go undiagnosed. The stigma associated with mental illness in men persists despite efforts to increase awareness of mental health issues in general. For a more insightful look into why the mental well-being regarding men is overlooked, we encroach upon this vital reason : Gender norms and the stigma attached Gender norms profoundly shape how we perceive mental health. These norms are what claim to determine expected and “normal” behavior for each gender that eventually influences mental well-being and mental health concerns. They tend to intensify the stigma attached to mental health regarding men. For example, a boy displaying vulnerability or crying will be encouraged to behave stronger and avoid showing such emotions. Women being relegated to a secondary role influences their outlook on mental well-being as well, generally terming them as irrational and sensitive as well as making them more prone to being prescribed medication. Our society tends to perpetuate gender conformity that leads to individuals having heightened levels of stress regarding their gender rigidness. Acknowledging the gender bias and gender norms that are prevalent in our society, will help ease their harmful effects on individuals and create a more supportive environment for all genders. Expectations of men that result in mental health problems                      Men have been told to be less emotional, act stronger and never show any weakness while simultaneously being expected to be the breadwinner of their family. Over working generally leads to heightened stress levels which can lead to other mental health conditions. Due to the society expectations that have been pushed on them men are less likely to seek out help for their mental health struggles. Instead, they choose to rely on unhealthy support systems like substance abuse and alcohol. This makes it crucial to encourage men to ditch the traditional gender roles so that they don’t develop an addiction to self medication and alcohol. Self stigma      Men are generally conditioned to think they are less worthy or strong if they show signs of mental illness. They tend to devalue themselves which as a result is very harmful to their mental well-being. Due to this many men facing the stigma tied to their mental health result in simply ignoring or rejecting their mental health condition and hope it will go away without mention. Ways to support men’s mental well-being are : 1. Encourage men to talk openly about mental health- Social media has become a great medium to express oneself as well as a great space for positivity and inclusivity. It is a great source for stigma-busting support. 2.  Finding a healthy support system- A community of people or an individual who allows you to express yourself comfortably is crucial.   3. Spread awareness- Choosing empowerment over shame is a vital step toward achieving our goal of minimizing and ending the stigma attached to men’s mental health. To conclude there is an undeniable correlation between mental health and gender roles revealing that men are less susceptible to mental health disorders yet when they are mentally ill, they are less likely to recover. Most of the reasoning can be linked to hegemonic masculinity, stereotypes, and stigma. In order to support men who are experiencing greater feelings of loneliness and despair and to remove the obstacles that prevent men from getting the treatment they need when they do, it is essential to improve the mental health of males through providing a supportive environment.Contributed by Pavitra V.S, Grade 11 - EuroSchool HSRShe actively engages in animal rescuing and her interests include reading, crochet and kickboxing.Carpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Johnhain on Pixabay

As parents, we want our children to develop the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. One vital skill that can pave the way for their success is cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is like a superpower that allows children to adapt, problem-solve, and think creatively.Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to shift perspectives, adapt thinking, and generate alternative solutions when faced with new challenges or changing situations. It involves being open to different ideas, considering various viewpoints, and embracing novel approaches to problem-solving. This skill empowers children to navigate uncertainties and find innovative solutions. It encourages them to think outside the box and derive creative solutions. Cognitive flexibility contributes to emotional intelligence by enabling children to understand and regulate their emotions. It allows them to consider different perspectives in social interactions, empathise with others, and navigate conflicts more effectively.Here are some suggestions to foster cognitive flexibility in our children-1. Expose to Diverse Experiences: Expose children to diverse cultures, viewpoints, and experiences. Encourage them to engage in activities that broaden their horizons, such as reading books from different genres, attending cultural events, or trying new hobbies.2. Embrace Mistakes and Challenges: Teach children that making mistakes is a part of learning and growth. Encourage them to approach challenges as opportunities to develop resilience and find alternative solutions.Encourage Flexibility in Routine: Introduce variations in routines and schedules to help children adapt to changing circumstances. This can involve trying new activities, exploring different routes, or rearranging their daily routines.3. Encourage Exploration: Create an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and open-ended play. Provide a diverse range of toys, books, and activities that stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving.Cognitive flexibility is an adapted skill. So the more efforts we put in upfront, the better equipped our children will be to successfully deal with the rapidly changing world!Contributed byDeepti ThakarMental Health Practitioner, Carpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLPCarpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Johnhain on Pixabay

Published in: Gadgets 360

As children return to school, two problems have risen to the top of their parent's concerns, the impact of social media and the internet on children's life. According to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, more than half of parents rank mental health issues as the top health concern for their children and teens.(Image Credit : Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik)

Published in: WHO

Survival chances for adolescents and young adults vary greatly across the world. In 2021, the probability of dying among those aged 10–24 years was highest in sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Northern America. The average global probability of a 10-year-old dying before age 24 was about 6 times higher in sub-Saharan Africa than in North America and Europe.Within the age group 10–24 years, mortality rates are lowest among adolescents aged 10–14, and highest among young adults aged 20–24 years. Females generally have lower mortality rates for these ages than males.(Image Credit : Image by Freepik)

Published in: The Harvard Gazette

A study by a Brown researcher found mindfulness training reduces blood pressure, which can prevent cardiovascular disease. A Vanderbilt scientist showed meditation, like sleep, helps the glymphatic system get rid of metabolic waste from our brains, a key to brain health. One study at the University of California, San Francisco, found mindfulness can lead to better metabolic health, reducing risk factors for heart disease and stroke(Image Credit: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik)