Mental Health America recognizes June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Despite being observed annually, American males, or males in general, are unwilling to discuss their mental health. This could be due to the cliche that a man should always be strong, self-assured and in control, and that showing emotion is viewed as a weakness.
Take a look at the following figures about men’s mental health in the U.S.:
- Out of the 165+ million American male population, there are more than 6 million affected by depression.
- Aside from depression, around 3.5 million Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia, with men accounting for 90% of those diagnosed by the age of 30.
- Anxiety disorder affects around 19.1 million American adults, with more than 3 million males suffering from phobias such as agoraphobia (a kind of anxiety disorder characterized by fear of leaving a location considered safe or sensations of being trapped) and panic disorder.
- 74% of suicides that occurred in the United States and the United Kingdom are males. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., and suicide rates among males are rising in high-income countries.
- Males account for about 10% of anorexic patients.
- Only 1 in every 3 Black male adults receives treatment for mental illness.
Reasons for Men’s Mental Illness and the Many Symptoms They Display
Men’s mental health can be influenced by a variety of factors, including culture, fatherhood, economic status, and race. However, because of shame and societal expectations, males frequently turn to drug and substance misuse to cope with all of the unpleasant emotions and situations they experience.
Mental health illness symptoms of males and females are distinct. In men, these are the signs they exhibit:
- Physical symptoms like tummy and back pains and frequent headaches
- Grumpiness, baseless hostility, and anger
- Alcohol and substance dependency
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Precarious behaviors like reckless driving and unsafe sex
- Change in eating and sleeping habits
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Loss of focus, concentration
Do you know that more women than men attempt suicide? However, suicide in men is more likely to be fulfilled because they act impulsively on suicidal impulses, exhibit fewer indicators of sadness, and utilize techniques such as weapons that can readily cause death.
According to science, decreased testosterone levels are associated with sadness, mood swings, and stress, especially in older men.
Having excellent mental health is essential for everyone, regardless of gender. Here is a checklist that we can all use as a guide to ensure that we are taking good care of our mental health:
- Good nourishment. One should eat healthily and regularly, consuming foods that will improve our mental and physical capacities.
- Exercise. This is an excellent ally for mental health since it reduces negative feelings, depression, and anxiety while improving cognitive performance.
- Get enough sleep and rest. Sufficient sleep promotes mental and physical well-being by improving brain function, mood, and emotion. It aids in the restoration and rebuilding of our brains, which is necessary for problem-solving and learning.
- Do not be afraid to express your feelings. Feel free to discuss anything that bothers or stresses you out. Avoid social isolation, as it increases the risk of physical and mental disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and other conditions.
It is tough for anyone, especially males, to seek care for mental illness. The stigma causes embarrassment, feelings of being judged, and the fear of being vulnerable. However, by beginning to talk about your difficulties and open up about your struggles, you are opening doors to honest communication with your family and friends, as well as avenues to counseling, both of which are opportunities for you to learn how to cope with mental illness.
Arbor Wellness is happy to discuss your situation and needs in complete confidentiality. We build a personalized treatment plan to assist you in getting through it and emerge as a healed individual.
Remember that you deserve help at any moment, regardless of your age.
Sources:
https://myneedtolive.com/why-its-important-to-ask-for-help/
https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
https://mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mens-mental-health-man-up-is-not-the-answer