Supporting Men in Schools

Ryan Parke (The Men's Coach) shares his personal experience with the suicide of a friend and explores the complexities of male mental health. He discusses the common belief that men don't talk about their feelings, which he challenges. Ryan and I particularly delve into the role of testosterone in men's health, debunking myths about its effects and emphasising the importance of lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, exercise, and sobriety in maintaining healthy testosterone levels. He provides practical advice for improving men's health and wellbeing, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of male mental health issues.

Takeaways

  • Men's mental health is often misunderstood; communication is not the only solution.

  • Testosterone plays a crucial role in both physical and mental health.

  • Lifestyle changes can significantly impact testosterone levels:

    • Sleep is vital for testosterone production and overall health.

    • Diet, particularly fat intake, affects testosterone levels.

    • Regular exercise is more effective than antidepressants for mental health.

    • Vitamin D is essential for testosterone production.

    • Alcohol consumption can drastically lower testosterone levels.

  • Understanding testosterone can motivate young men to prioritise their health.

Resources Mentioned:


Episode Partners

The University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.uk

The International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn more


Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.

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