It can be hard to reach out sometimes. We don’t like to admit we are struggling, much less ask for help. When we don’t ask for help, however, we are not only putting ourselves in danger, but those we love as well. Mental health is not a topic that males tend to discuss within our society. The lack of discussion, however, leads to men suffering more from depression and more likely to die from suicide (National Mental Health Institute).
The rise of a national mental health crisis calls for all of us to care for ourselves both mentally and physically—especially in the case of men. Over 6 million men are affected by depression each year; the other mental health disorders that tend to affect men are:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis and Schizophrenia
- And, eating disorders
With these disorders affecting a large portion of our nation’s men, it is surprising how little men seek out help. These numbers, however, signal a large issue as men are “the victims of problematic thinking that says mental health disorders are unmanly signs of weakness” (Man Therapy).
CHN’s Jon Benefiel (LPC) reflects on the problematic thinking by stating, “Sometimes the hardest thing a man can do is ask for help.” The problematic thinking worsens the mental health crisis as men from ages 25-42 years old account for the largest number of suicide deaths in the US. Benefiel, further describes the difficulties of recognizing mental health issues among men saying,
“The traditional signs of depression that people may recognize. . .may not appear in men suffering from depression. In my experience in working with men suffering with depression, it is very common for depression to manifest in men as anger/irritability, loss of interest in activities, and disrupted sleep and/or appetite.”
The coping mechanism men use to mask their symptoms also cause larger issues as “this tends to mask symptoms. Untreated depression in men often leads to financial, personal, family problems, and alcoholism and addiction.”
By reaching out, men are not only protecting themselves but ensuring that those who care for them won’t have to experience loss. It is also important to start thinking of mental health issue like a physical issue: no one would tell you to suck it up and ignore a broken arm. Rather than viewing therapy and counseling as a weakness, therapy and counseling is something to be proud of. It is a commitment to being a better and happier you.
Resources and references:
https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
