June is Men’s Health Month, and the discussion around men’s health is centered not only on common health issues but also on common behaviors. Mental health awareness has become a popular topic, but unfortunately, we still find that men have lower numbers when it comes to seeking for help.
In this blog, we’ll talk about men’s mental health and the importance of taking advantage of healthcare and mental health services.
Making Use of Physical and Mental Healthcare Sources
Men are less likely to go to the doctor for physical and mental issues. Some of the most common reason men don’t visit the doctor are
• Being Busy
• Being Scared
• Being Ashamed
The consequence to these excuses is that men don’t live as long as women and they end up having illnesses that may have been prevented with regular checkups.
Reaching out for help can be daunting, but avoiding care can be scarier. It’s encouraged that everyone, regardless of gender, should regularly seek care and help for any medical or mental health issue they may have.
Making Use of Physical and Mental Healthcare Sources
It’s been researched that men are not encouraged to express their emotions or discuss their vulnerabilities. As a result, we see that men struggle in silence, and that can be harmful when dealing with both physical and mental health.
Certain risk factors make men more likely to experience mental health issues, and it is important to have and use nearby mental health resources.
Common Risk Factors
• Childhood Trauma
Unresolved childhood trauma can result in mental health issues later in life if it is not addressed. A standard solution is seeking therapy to lessen the impact and to introduce healthy coping strategies into an individual’s life.
• Chronic Illness
- Chronic illnesses often have a significant effect on a person’s mental well-being. It is recommended that anyone struggling with a chronic disease reach out for therapeutic help to cope with any negative feelings they may have.
• Isolation
Lack of support from friends and family is a huge stressor that can result in mental health problems. Humans are built to operate in a community; not having that support system can harm our well-being. It is critical to have a support system to fall back on.
• Major Life Changes
Significant life changes can include familial issues like divorce or the loss of a loved one. Additionally, it can refer to losing a job or starting a fatherhood journey. Any significant change that deals with stress can be a potential risk factor for mental health issues.
Common Mental Health Conditions in Men
• Depression
• Anxiety
Common Symptoms include restlessness, feelings of doom, difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tension, self-blame and judgment, and trouble thinking.
• Substance Use Disorders
- Common Symptoms include developing a tolerance to substances, decline in work/life performance, inability to stop a substance, loss of interest in outside activities, failure to quit, using the substance in an unsafe dose, and experiencing withdrawal without the substance.
• ADHD
- Common Symptoms include attention problems, frequently losing items, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and lack of self-regulation.
• Conduct Disorders
- Common Symptoms include Anger towards others or animals, arguing with authority figures, destructiveness, manipulative behavior, and repetitive episodes of explosively violent behavior.
These conditions are some of the most common seen in men, and it is essential to note that each has its own set of symptoms that should be watched for.
Mental Health Resources Near You At MyCHN
Mental health is a sensitive issue, and it can be hard to find a trustworthy mental health provider. MyCHN has compassionate whole-person care therapists and counselors ready to assist you.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing suicidal or self-harm thoughts, here are resources that may be helpful.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
- Crisis Intervention Hotline: 832-416-1177
- S.T.O.P – Texas-based suicide prevention line: Text HOME to 741-741, www.stopglobal.org
Additionally, MyCHN offers in-person and virtual, personalized mental/behavioral health care. We accept various insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, to support families from all walks of life. Schedule your appointment online using our form or call MyCHN today at (281) 824-1480.
