This Men’s Health Week one of our activity coordinators and part time Personal Trainer has spoken out about why it can sometimes be hard for men to be open about their mental health and why physical exercise has been a ‘game changer’ for him.
Harmony Lawal, who works on the Derwent Centre at Princess Alexander Hospital in Harlow has worked at EPUT for four years and been a Personal Trainer for two years.
The Nigerian native said being physically active has helped him deal better with his emotions and allowed him to be more open with how he feels and he now encourages patients on his ward to take part in regular exercise.
He said: “From an ethnic point of view, particularly in communities where men are often expected to be ‘strong’ or ‘silent’, and to ‘take it like a man’, conversations around health especially mental health are still catching up.
“Cultural beliefs, stigma, and sometimes a lack of trust in healthcare systems and not having a strong support group or family, can make it harder for men from ethnic minority backgrounds to seek help early. This means conditions whether physical or mental often go undiagnosed or untreated for too long.
“In some cultures, like where I am from, it’s not common to talk about how you’re feeling, physically or mentally. There’s often a pressure to “man up” or ignore symptoms, which only adds to the problem. That’s why raising awareness and offering support in ways that respect cultural identity is so important.
Harmony has been using his skills as a Personal Trainer to work with his patients and help improve their mental health through regular exercise. He conducts a ‘Rise and Shine’ class which patients take part in as a physical activity first thing in the morning to boost their moods.
He added: “Keeping active is a straightforward and powerful way to stay on top of health, both physical and mentally.
“Regular movement, even something as simple as walking, helps release endorphins, which naturally boost mood and reduce stress.
“For many people living with mental health conditions, like the people who I work with regularly, staying physically active gives structure to the day, improves sleep, and builds confidence, especially when there’s a sense of progress.
“It’s not just about exercise either, eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest all contribute to feeling more balanced and resilient emotionally.
“There’s a lot of support out there including community health programmes, culturally sensitive fitness groups, walking clubs, even local leisure centres that offer discounts or inclusive sessions.
“Some charities and men’s groups specifically support men’s physical and mental health, offering safe spaces to talk, get active, and share experiences without judgement.”