Unveiling the Unseen: A Pioneering Mission for Men's Mental Health

By Jun Kit Man, Digital Media Manager

As the world grapples with the realities of the 21st century, a crucial public health crisis often goes unreported - men's mental health. Despite its profound societal impact, this issue has not been given the attention it deserves. The stark reality paints a grim picture: men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women, particularly those aged 40 to 49. Furthermore, overall life satisfaction for men lags behind that of women, as evidenced by the Government's national well-being survey.

Mental health trainer Daniel Constable has taken it upon himself to address this crisis head-on. After overcoming significant mental and emotional challenges, this dedicated professional has committed to aiding men in their mental and emotional health journeys. His approach brings modern solutions to an age-old problem: how can men articulate their emotions in a world that frequently discourages such expression?

"Eleven years ago, I faced severe mental and emotional challenges to the point of attempting suicide twice," shares the dedicated mental health coach. Since then, he has strived to fill a gap in male representation within the personal development industry. "I believe many men struggle to articulate their emotions, often feeling unsafe, unseen, and unheard. This is due to social conditioning that pressures them to mask their feelings. My aim is to alter this narrative by implementing modern training, focusing mainly on men."

But this wasn't always the envisaged role for him. The majority of his life was spent following his father's blueprint for success, which was a career in banking and sales. However, a deep-rooted passion for personal development and coaching led to a different path. "I dedicated 11 years to improve my mental and emotional health and became a qualified coach, trained by a top industry expert," he shares.

Challenging traditional perceptions of masculinity, which often stigmatise emotional expression as a weakness, is a particular focus. This stereotype prevents many men from seeking help during emotional or mental health challenges. "I aim to break these ancestral patterns and promote a healthier conception of masculinity, one where emotional expression is seen as a strength rather than a weakness," he affirms.

To achieve this, a “Well-being for men” course has been facilitated, promoting open dialogue about experiences and struggles. "Leading by example, I share my own vulnerabilities, granting others permission to open up. For some, merely being present and listening can be a step forward. No one is forced to speak, but the environment fosters a sense of community and understanding, which can be healing in itself."

Isolation and suppressing emotions are significant signs of poor mental and emotional health. Cultivating self-esteem and self-worth through journaling and self-reflection via meditation is a promoted approach, one that sits with uncomfortable feelings rather than evading them.

Drawing from personal experiences with addiction, depression, and anxiety, a unique and tested approach to improve mental and emotional health for men is offered. "Over a decade of personal development work has allowed me to create a unique formula that transformed my life. Now, through a coaching environment, I guide men towards a healthier mental and emotional state."

Courses prioritise action and aim to facilitate small but impactful changes. "If I can create a breakthrough moment for someone, leading them to make positive changes, that's mental health progress. The primary goal is to equip men with the tools to express their feelings and improve their mental health, striving for a lasting change in this field."

Mental health education can have a powerful ripple effect. It not only benefits individuals but also promotes enlightening conversations with families and friends, further spreading awareness and understanding.

Even though progress is being made, there is still much work to be done. According to a report from Mind titled "Get it off your chest: Men’s mental health 10 years on", there has been a positive increase in men’s help-seeking behaviours and openness about their mental health. However, the report emphasises the urgent need for better support for men’s mental health from the UK Government, NHS, and employers.

While acknowledging the changing perceptions of mental health, the remaining hurdles are emphasised. The mission is to equip men with the tools needed to articulate their feelings and foster mental and emotional health. "My goal is to make a lasting change in men's mental health within my lifetime," states the dedicated coach.

A success story is shared of a client who approached with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and health worries. This client sought to be a strong father and feared mental health struggles would obstruct that goal. "Now, after working together, he’s anxiety-free, no longer overly concerned about his health, and has found strength in fatherhood. It's about bringing back people to their true selves, and I aim to impact more people by conducting workshops."

Indeed, the modern approach to mental health for men is creating waves in the industry, fostering a more open and accepting environment. This unique approach is creating a meaningful impact, one man at a time.