On Men’s Health Week (14-20 June), Dr Emma Travers-Hill, a Clinical Psychologist at the University’s School of Psychology, emphasises the importance of reflecting on one’s own emotions and opening up to loved ones, particularly after what has been a tough year for many because of the Covid-19 pandemic. She said:
‘For men, this Men’s Health Week gives you the opportunity to ask yourself “how am I?” and ask your friends how they are too. For women, it prompts you to ask those all-important men in your lives “how are you?”. “How am I?” could be the most important three words that you could use this week, yet all too often we get caught up in day-to-day life and don’t ask, or we answer with a quick “I am fine”. This year more than ever we need to ask.
‘As restrictions are easing it leaves us all with a mishmash of emotions. Yes, it’s exciting to be able to go out and see each other again but, let’s face it, we are out of practice and might find it a bit odd and perhaps stressful at times.
‘So, this week we should ban the standard response of “I am fine”. If all is fine then elaborate on what is going on that is making you happy, soak up that amazing feeling and share it with others.
‘If all is not so well then it is even more important to share it with someone you can confide in, perhaps this means testing out those around you as to who is best to have a good chat with. Sometimes it can be easier to start these conversations when you are engaged in doing something together so you don’t have to be directly facing them which can feel a bit exposing for some people. An ideal place might be whilst walking somewhere, watching sports, or playing sports or a game. Just keep in mind, if someone you cared about wasn’t feeling great you would want them to tell you and you would want to see if you can figure out what can help to pick them up again.’
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