•A statement from the team said they were devastated and were working with the Zimbabwean authorities.
•The airshow at Wilson Airport in Nairobi on May 28 was held in conjunction with the Aero Club of East Africa.
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Research reveals that 50% young men with anxiety report that their work performance, relationships and sex life have been affected, yet well over half of them are still not seeking help. This Men's Health Week, Kalms are encouraging men everywhere to face their fears and take a mind MOT to boost their mental wellbeing and seek support if necessary.
Thousands of men suffer from mental health issues daily, many in silence. According to Kalms survey[ii] among 500 male anxiety sufferers, young men in their twenties and thirties are most affected by the crippling impact of anxiety. As many as 70% of men surveyed say their anxiety has an impact on their work and relationships and 80% found it also affects their social life, with over half revealing it also impacted their sex life.
To some extent, anxiety can be useful as it cues us to important things in our lives that need attention. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and long-lasting it reflects a more serious issue and shouldn't be ignored. Anxiety can affect all areas of your life and can affect you focus, productivity and energy levels.
Obtaining help and support, can be especially difficult for men experiencing anxiety. Research shows men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women, with only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men[iii]. Many believe a potential contributor for this could be the toxic masculinity apparent in our society: men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren't inherently bad things, these stereotypes can make it hard for men to reach out for help and open up.
To help those impacted by anxiety, the Kalms team have put together 5 practical steps to encourage men everywhere to reflect on their daily activities and give their minds an MOT:
1. Get physical - Physical activity can be a great way to work off the tense feelings that come with anxiety. Endorphins released during exercise can help you feel more relaxed and clear-headed. Make sure to start slow and be consistent if physical activity is not already part of your routine. If going for a 5-minute walk is all you have the energy to do, start there.
2. Journal to release your anxious thoughts - Taking time in your day, whether it's the first thing you do in the morning or you prefer to reflect before bedtime, noting down your feelings and inner thoughts can help you to get a hold of the causes and potential triggers of your anxiety. Journaling about your feelings is linked to decreased mental distress and be a great place to start when opening up and feeling more comfortable talking.
3. Practice deep breathing - A simple way to help your body relax, even when your mind and heart are racing, is to focus on your breath. Slow abdominal breathing, or deep breathing, activates the part of your nervous system that shuts down the fight-or-flight response. You can do this anytime, anywhere. Breathe deeply into your stomach and chest for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. This technique is called 'box breathing' and will help to lower your heart rate and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.
4. Try incorporating a herbal remedy - Try a traditional herbal remedy, such as Kalms Lavender. Lavender oil has a long-standing association with relieving symptoms of mild anxiety. Over 15 clinical trials have shown that a daily capsule of uniquely prepared lavender oil, found only in Kalms Lavender, can relieve the symptoms of anxiety in just one to two weeks. Benefits are comparable to commonly used anti-anxiety medications without problems such as sedation, addiction, or interaction with other medications.
5. Talk about your difficulties with someone you trust - Often when we're anxious things can get blown out of proportion as we get stuck in negative thought loops. Talking with a friend can give you an outside perspective and a better sense of what might be going on, how to manage it and will help you to feel less alone.
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Image by Delamere
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Sharing mental health advice on social media is becoming increasingly common, but how can you be sure that what you're reading is accurate and safe? To determine the accuracy of mental health information provided on social media, psychologists at Delamere have analysed TikTok posts to reveal what percentage is incorrect. https://delamere.com/blog/danger-of-medical-misinformation-on-social-media The research carried out by Delamere found that a shocking 61% of the information provided on TikTik about mental health is incorrect. Despite having more than 10 million views, the TikTik video "Signs of high functioning anxiety' was only 50% accurate with a score of 20 out of 40. 'Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder' scored even lower, with a shocking score of just 13 out of the possible 40. The research found that no videos advised viewers to seek further mental advice from their doctor and only three videos where created by a qualified or trusted creator. Each TikTok video was scored on the following; contains 100% correct information, advice viewers to speak to a doctor, qualified and trusted creator and is sustainable for the audience. What are the dangers of self-diagnosing on social media? Dr Catherine Carney, Psychiatrist at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere; "Many people turn to social media for health-related information, but despite how common this is amongst young adults, the significant downside is that self-diagnosis can be extremely hazardous and potentially threatening to your health. It makes sense why more and more people are turning to social media for advice on their mental health as they can receive instant information regarding their troubling queries, instead of waiting for a doctors appointment or seeing a mental health specialist. The issue with seeking advice on social media is that you could be provided with completely incorrect information which could end up becoming an added detriment to your health. It can be tough to verify the sourced information found on social media, as anyone can share their opinions and methods of treatment without being a qualified or trusted creator - that's what makes this form of diagnosis so dangerous. Health information on social media is often too general. Each person has a different family and health background which can contribute to the decision-making process a medical professional goes through when deciding on a proper diagnosis or treatment method. That's why it's important to speak to a doctor, as they will have knowledge about you and your medical history, which will make your experience less stressful and more accurate. People often experience heightened feelings of stress when self-diagnosing online and on social media, they often assume the worst before speaking to a professional about their symptoms and condition, which puts patients at greater risk both physically and mentally. There is also the added danger of self-medicating using products with negative side effects that won't treat your illness and in some cases even worsen it. Social media is a great tool for finding open conversations about mental health and connecting with others who have experiences that resonate with you. But it's important that when using platforms such as TikTok you don't assume that someone who is displaying symptoms of a mental health disorder has the same diagnosis as you. With mental health conditions, there are often overlapping symptoms that can be an indicator for a diagnosis, so approach content on social media with caution." How to avoid self-diagnosing on social media Speak to a professional - While it's hard to break the habit of self-diagnosing online, it's not healthy to continue. If you're finding it difficult to limit or stop the behaviour, it's important to speak to a mental health professional. Speaking to a specialist will help to ease feelings of anxiety and stress when your feelings are spiralling out of control. Use trusted medical institutions - If you are seeking medical information or advice online make sure you are using the websites of trusted medical institutions such as the official NHS website. For the vast majority of medical concerns, there will be an established, trustworthy charitable organisation set up with a professional website that will answer most questions. Find a distraction - When you have the urge to search your symptoms online or on social media, find something to distract yourself, you can go for a run, call a friend, watch some television, or do anything that will distract your mind. Set a limit - Break from the habit of self-diagnosing by setting a limit on the time you spend watching and searching for mental health videos on social media. Set yourself a time limit, once you have reached it, stop searching and look for something alternative to do. |
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