Fight unhappiness with these lifestyle tips

While the overall figure of suicides for both sexes has risen 4 percent since last year, the level of male suicide is particularly significant, being three times higher than that of the female rate. Jane Powell, CEO of Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide in the UK, points to the difference in how men handle their emotions as a reason for this large variance between the sexes:

“The research is clear that men behave differently to women when depressed. Men are more likely to end up on a drunken binge and being arrested rather than seeing a GP about their emotional problems,” she says.

The CALM website provides a lot of useful information and support for men struggling with their emotions. But improvements to your diet and exercise could also provide a significant boost to your mental wellbeing.

Research has shown that exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants in combatting depression. This is because when we exercise our bodies release more chemicals called endorphins, which make us feel happy, into our bodies.

Something as simple as a brisk walk every day or cycling to work can give you a good daily boost of endorphins and help you maintain a happy outlook.

Your diet is also an important player in your happiness. This blog we produced earlier this month offers some great healthy eating tips to boost your mood.

Of course, depression is a complex condition, and it can’t always be beaten by lifestyle. If you are worried that you may be suffering from depression, don't go through it alone. Speak to your family and/or friends, seek support from your doctor or get in touch with one of the many charities dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing.

Last updated Thursday 21 December 2017

First published on Wednesday 27 May 2015