For men, navigating the intersection of mental health and money can be a challenging journey. When it comes to managing money, the relationship between mental health and financial well-being is often overlooked even though it can, and does significantly impact their overall quality of life.
“Not everything that can be counted counts,
and not everything that counts can be counted”.
-Albert Einstein
The Link Between Mental Health and Money:
Societal expectations of men as the provider especially in matters finances, causes financial stress, uncertainty and pressure to live to those expectations resulting to poor mental health. Poor mental health, affects one’s decision-making, their productivity, and overall well-being. It’s essential to recognize and understand the impact that mental health and money have on you as a man, so you can work on managing your mental health.
Tips and Strategies for Maintaining Financial Health:
1. Practicing Self-Love: Remember the most important asset is YOU. Be intentional and prioritize your mental health by practicing self-care activities that you enjoy and can help reduce stress and promote well-being. Try out exercise, sports, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in other hobbies you enjoy (fix that vintage car, paint that room etc.). The best ideas come from a relaxed mind.
2. Setting Realistic Goals: Forget what society expects and focus on setting SMART goals, then wok towards achieving them. Achieving your realistic short-term goals gives you the motivation and drive to work towards those medium term and long-term goals. Pace yourself and celebrate your achievements in each step.
3. Invest In Knowledge: indulge in podcasts, webinars, books on self care and financial literacy. Improving your financial literacy skills help you make sound and informed financial decisions for you and your loved ones. Self care knowledge equips you with information and guide for managing your mental health through turbulent financial times.
4. Manage Expectations: Many at times financial stress is caused by not being honest with your current financial status and managing expectations of yourself and of those around you. When you are honest with yourself and your financial dependents, they can rally and support you both emotionally and financially.
5. Seek Right Support: You are not alone and so don’t go through it alone. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial stress. Find that trusted friend, family member or professional financial advisor and talk. If your mental health is being affected, talk to a mental health professional for guidance and support.
The first step is acknowledging that as a man, your mental health and money issues are intertwined and then start to work towards having a healthier relationship with your money. Focus as well to always be intentional in improving your mental health.
