Man up.
Walk it off.
Rub dirt on it.
From an early age, this is the advice many men receive. It sounds harmless, even helpful. But this type of mentality can develop into a harmful mindset.
Problems are not addressed. Problems are endured.
The reality is toughing out is not the answer. There’s a better way.
June is Men’s Health Month. It’s an opportunity to eat better, move more, and develop healthier habits. But it doesn’t have to stop there. With millions of men struggling with their mental health, it’s important to remember that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
Men and mental health have a complicated relationship. Whether it’s the stigma or the lack of access to professional help, many people simply survive rather than thrive.
Men’s Mental Health Statistics
First, it’s helpful to look at the numbers. They’re staggering.
According to
Mental Health America, men throughout the country struggle:
- Over 6 million suffer from depression
- Over 3 million have a panic disorder, agoraphobia, or another phobia
- Over 1 million are affected by bipolar disorder
It’s not just the sheer numbers. American men account for a higher percentage than you might expect in a variety of areas:
- 90% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia by age 30 are men
- 35% of people with a binge-eat disorder are men
- 10% of patients with anorexia and bulimia are men
When looking at data on this scale, it’s easy to forget that each number is an individual. Along with his mental health struggles, he has passions, goals, and dreams.
However, many men never ask for help. Among the respondents to
one survey who feel the effects of depression and anxiety, only one in three took medication. Worse yet, just one in four spoke to a professional.
These numbers are not outliers. Countless men suffer in silence.
Barriers To Men’s Mental Health
The stigma surrounding mental health has been chipped away in recent years.
But it’s still there. This is especially true for men.
A common thought process is that only weak people ask for help. Therefore, if an individual does not ask for help, he is not weak. As ridiculous as this sounds from an outside perspective, it’s the way many people think.
Another obstacle is that people can experience
different depression symptoms. Women may be more likely to appear sad and vacant. Men, however, are more likely to be aggressive. They may lash out and appear angry rather than depressed. This makes depression difficult to identify.
Addiction is also a serious concern. This can be a form of self-medication, a way to just get through the day. Roughly
one in five men develop a dependency on alcohol.
How To Take Steps Forward
With a variety of cultural and internal factors, it’s unfortunate but not surprising that many men do ask for help.
There is no quick fix, but there are things we can all do.
If you struggle with your mental health, the first and most important step is to speak up. Find someone who will listen. Being vulnerable can be difficult, but do what you can to push through the discomfort. There is no shame in advocating for yourself.
Professional help is also a great step. Here in Fort Wayne,
Headwaters Counseling is an affordable option with an experienced team of counselors. Please
contact us if you have any questions. Talking with an expert isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.
Even if you do not struggle with your mental health, chances are several people in your life do. That’s why it is vital to educate yourself. One of the basics is identifying common signs of depression:
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Reduce appetite
- Loss of interest in hobbies
You can also be intentional with the men in your life. Check in. Ask questions. Listen. Many men have a difficult time opening up, so be patient and don’t pressure. Even if he doesn’t want to talk, you’ve made it clear that you’re there and you care.
Together, we can all take steps to improve the mental health of ourselves and those we love.
