TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING SERIOUS

Training for ultramarathons, I often made the classic 'runner blunder' of avoiding strength training, instead keeping blind faith that plodding miles of road and trail would provide everything I needed for the big event.

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I learned the hard way that a few crunches might have been useful when I found myself at mile 40 with a half marathon still to go, crumpled, shuffling, almost bent double as my core collapsed.

It's all too easy to focus on one aspect of our wellbeing while ignoring factors that might not seem relevant to our immediate goals. And it's all too common for men to ignore their mental health while prioritising their focus on the physical. But it's vital that we take a holistic approach and realise that our mental health is not just complementary to the physical but a necessity that we ignore at our peril with serious, far-reaching consequences - not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

Unaddressed mental health issues can worsen over time

Ignoring signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or anger doesn't make them go away. Left disregarded, these feelings can intensify and lead to more serious issues, including substance misuse, relationship breakdowns, work-related problems, and a sense of hopelessness.

Men are often socialised to 'tough it out'