5 Ways to Boost a Husband’s Mental Health
Specialized
writings often focus on women’s psychology,
taking into account the hormonal and biological changes in their bodies and the
impact of these changes on their emotional well-being. However, such writings
are far less common when it comes to addressing the psychological state of the
husband—or men in general.
The
Pressures Husbands Face in Married Life
A husband
is exposed to significant and intense pressures, beginning with establishing
the marital home, moving on to providing for the family’s expenses, raising
children, and striving to secure their future, in addition to the pressures of
work, travel, and life as a whole.
These
pressures may intensify when a husband experiences financial hardship or
struggles to secure a job opportunity. At such times, the burden doubles as he
strives to present himself before his family as a trustworthy provider and a
competent husband capable of meeting the needs of his wife and children.
How
Men and Women Differ in Coping With Stress
A medical
study indicates that men tend to suppress emotions and avoid confrontations,
while women are more inclined to deal with stress through direct emotional
expression. This finding comes from a study issued by the University of La
Laguna in Spain.
It is
wise for a woman to understand the behavioral traits of a man when he goes
through a crisis or faces a difficult situation, so that she does not
misinterpret his behavior as avoidance or negligence of marital duties.
Behavioral
Traits of Men in Crisis
Among
these traits are the following:
First: Men Tend to Withdraw During
Crises
A man
tends to withdraw when a problem arises—not as a way of escaping it, but rather
to prevent the problem from escalating and to search for a solution in a calm
environment, away from tension and pressure. Thus, many men prefer to sit alone
in isolation for some time while seeking solutions.
Second: Men Seek Time Outside the Home
to Release Stress
Men often
prefer to take some time outside the home, either alone or with friends—perhaps
as an attempt to relax, to vent their emotions with those close to them, to
seek advice and counsel, or to reduce the escalation of stress and pressures
surrounding them. This also helps them recharge their psychological and mental
energy.
Third: Men Look for Social Support From
Friends
A man may
seek out a close friend or a group of friends with the aim of exchanging
conversation and ideas and receiving social support and
encouragement—especially if he is experiencing marital conflict or facing a
family problem.
Therefore,
a wife should not feel threatened by the presence of friends in her husband’s
life. On the contrary, this gives him a degree of balance, helps him release
negative energy, and provides him with valuable experiences from others on how
to save his marital life and guide his family safely to stability.
Fourth: A Man Maintains Personal Space
A man
maintains a personal space of his own, which is a positive matter and not a
negative factor that threatens his wife.
Recent
studies confirm that couples who maintain personal space record higher levels
of satisfaction in their marital relationship. Personal space also enhances a
man’s mental health and gives him an opportunity to renew his energy.
Fifth: Men Need Not to Stay Home for
Long Periods
A man
seeks not to remain at home for long periods, as the feeling of being confined
indoors without an outlet may make him tense. Therefore, a wife should
understand a man’s need to go out and meet friends, without this undermining
his family responsibilities—according to the Australian newspaper The Sunday
Morning Herald.
A
husband’s break outside the home or spending some time with friends represents
a healthy space that enhances his ability to interact, grants him new
experiences, and provides him with positive energy that helps him bear the
burdens of family life.
You May Also Read:
- The Rising of Breadwinning Woman Phenomenon
- What Happens When Male Guardianship Fails?
- 10 Tips to Win Your Husband's Heart
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