Men’s mental health issues have been a growing concern recently as many are trying to break the stigma surrounding this persistent hardship. Men throughout their lives have often been met with phrases such as ‘man up’ or ‘boys don’t cry’ in response to showing emotional vulnerability. Other factors, such as societal constructs that deem men should be the breadwinners for their families and should act in a tough and controlled manner, contribute to this issue. Over time, this results in many men building up barriers and hesitating to share their thoughts or emotions, even though they may be struggling mentally.
Even though men and women can both contract mental illnesses, men are less likely to seek help due to the societal stigma. In fact, studies show that women are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness and are more likely to attempt suicide. On the other hand, men are less likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness but are 3.5 times more likely to follow through with suicide than women. Even when men are diagnosed with a mental illness, only 1 in 3 took medication for it, and only 1 in 4 spoke to a mental health professional.
Knowing the Warning Signs
Since many men are socially conditioned to suppress their mental health issues, it is important to notice several key changes in their behaviour which may indicate they are experiencing some sort of mental distress. Here are some common symptoms and behaviours which may indicate that someone is struggling with a mental health issue:
- Aggressiveness, anger, and irritability (especially if it’s sudden)
- Changes in mood or energy levels
- Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
- Finding it difficult to focus
- Restlessness or feeling ‘on-edge’
- High alcohol consumption
- Excessive drug use
- Participating in risky activities
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and/or numbness
- Pains and aches without any clear cause
- Thinking or acting in a way which causes you concern
- Suicidal thoughts
These symptoms are common symptoms covering a variety of mental health conditions. Some common mental health conditions which affect men include:
- Depression: A persistent low mood that interferes with everyday functioning.
- Anxiety Disorders: Intense and uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry. Some common types of anxiety disorders include general anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Schizophrenia: A condition where individuals don’t interpret reality as it is. Individuals can experience hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of distorted thinking.
- PTSD: Reliving a traumatic event, avoidance and hyperarousal.
- Substance Abuse: A dependence on drugs and alcohol.
If you notice that you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. Treating mental illnesses early on can help symptoms from worsening or from causing any further complications.
Finding Treatments for Mental Illness
Treatments for these conditions may vary based on the type of mental illness, its severity and the individual. Since many men will not be willing to share if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, it is important to encourage yourself, or your loved ones to seek the treatment they need. Some common treatments for mental illness you can expect from your medical provider include:
- Medications: Medications, such as antidepressants, are commonly used to treat mental illnesses. Medication often takes several weeks to be effective, often improving sleep and concentration and other aspects before actually improving the symptoms of the mental illness. Medications can often cause side effects which can include headaches, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness.
- Psychotherapy: Also referred to as ‘talk therapy’, is one of the most common forms of therapy. Therapy helps develop new ways of thinking, behaving, and changing habits that may be contributing to mental illness. Many find psychotherapy to be just as effective as medication in some cases. Other types of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
What you Can Do to Help
When supporting someone who’s dealing with a mental illness, it is important to know that they simply can’t just ‘snap out of it’. Healing can sometimes be a long process and it is important to be patient throughout. You should offer support, listen to what they’re saying, ensure they get to their appointments, and keep reminding them that over time their condition will improve.
Overbearing social norms have made it difficult for men to seek help when they really need it. That is why it is important as a society to encourage men to be more vulnerable and seek help, and listen to their emotional struggles, instead of telling them to just ‘man-up’.
For more information on how we can help, chat with our iHealthOX Care Team.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mens-mental-health#treatment
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression
https://homewoodhealth.com/corporate/blog/mens-mental-health
https://www.mindwise.org/blog/uncategorized/a-critical-look-at-mens-mental-health/
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