Men & Mental Health
- KimmyCharms
- Oct 22, 2021
- 2 min read
In this post I will be discussing how Mental Health stigma affects men.
MHA recognizes June as Men's Health Month. Mental health problems are pretty common in the average American. "As of Jan 21, 2021 thirteen percent of the worlds population is affected by Mental Health & Substance use disorders."
SingleCare Team \ Marissa Walsh, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID.
When discussing the topic, sexes aren't normally the divider but in this case I will be raising the awareness of sex differences in mental health. Women have been known to be more likely of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression, on the other hand men tend toward to substance abuse and antisocial disorders. Studies have shown that adolescent males are more likely to be bullied than females. Some symptoms are more common in men than women. These include irritability, sudden anger, increased loss of control, risk-taking and aggression. Less well-off middle-aged men are likely to die by suicide.
There are many things that may trigger depression in some men; environmental stress or any stressful situation, work problems, a difficult relationship, major life changes, etc.
Anxiety in men can take a toll on health and relationships. Many men have been raised to view emotional vulnerability as a weakness. Anxiety disorders are often linked to depression, and it’s not uncommon for men to be diagnosed with both. Did you know low testosterone can increase anxiety levels, and contributes to an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, which drives anxious feelings. Men don't always show the signs we normally associate with depression like sadness and hopelessness.
One in five adults experience a mental health problem each year. Five major mental health problems affecting men are:
Bipolar Disorder - The bipolar disorder age of onset for men is between sixteen to twenty-five years old.
Depression - Male depression often goes undiagnosed.
Anxiety - 3,020,000 men have a panic disorder, agoraphobia, or any other phobia.
Eating Disorders - Males account for 10% bulimia, 35% account for binge-eating disorder.
Psychosis AND Schizophrenia - 90% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia by age thirty are men
Seek treatment!
Start by looking at our 10 practical ways to look after your mental health. Making small changes like talking about your feelings, keeping active and eating well can help you feel better.
If you're in distress and need immediate help or are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.
These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
-confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
The NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
-Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. HelpLine volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps.
(800) 273-8255
National Grad Crisis Line (877) 472-3457
National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673
(800) 799-7233
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