Every year, one in five adults (an estimated 43 million people) experience a mental illness in the United States. Although both men and women are affected by mental illness, it is often overlooked in males. That is because the traditional gender roles and society’s expectations make it hard for men to show their vulnerability and seek help for mental health problems.
Unfortunately, in relation to women, men are significantly exposed to the leading causes of mental health illness such as severe long-term stress; child abuse, trauma, and neglect; hazardous work conditions; and sleep deprivation.
Instead of looking for help on time, most men throw themselves into hard work or adopt dangerous, self-destructive behaviors because they are treated differently. The bottom line is this: Nobody is exempt from experiencing sadness, disappointment, or self-doubt, and everyone is prone to suffering a mental health disorder. However, everyone deserves on time and appropriate professional help.
Common mental health issues among men and safe ways to seek help for yourself or your male friend.
Most common disorders
Even though men can suffer any mental health problem, according to research, the following includes the most common:
Depression.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Adjustment Disorder after a traumatic experience
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
How do mental health problems present among men?
Though like everyone else, men can exhibit all symptoms of mental health disorders, the following includes the most common symptoms in men more than women:
Irritability,
Sudden anger,
Increased loss of control,
Risk-taking,
Aggression
Suicidal thoughts
Frustration
Illegal substance misuse
Trouble concentrating, and
Persistent feelings of worry
Seeking help
As opposed to women, more men do not seek help for mental health problems while the stigma about mental health is deadly. Denying symptoms of a mental disorder is the worst thing anyone can do as the illness progresses to a hardly treatable stage. As it is for females, acknowledging the mental struggle of men is not shameful, and it doesn’t diminish their masculinity. In fact, men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognize symptoms of a mental health disorder in themselves and will be less likely to reach out for help.
If you’re concerned about a friend or relative with the abovementioned symptoms, there are things you can do to help them:
Let them know you’re there to listen to them without judgment
Try to keep in touch with regular calls or SMS
Help them access a mental healthcare provider physically or online via the BYON8 app.
If you are worried about your mental health, making simple changes such as talking about your feelings, keeping active, and eating well can help you feel better. If you’re concerned about developing a mental health problem, speak to a healthcare provider instantly via the BYON8 app.
However, If you're in distress and need immediate help or are feeling like ending your life, please go to the nearest accident and emergency room.
Until next time, stay safe and healthy.
Sources:
Chatmon B. N. (2020). Males and Mental Health Stigma. American journal of men's health, 14(4), 1557988320949322. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320949322
Cerully JL, Acosta JD, Sloan J. Mental Health Stigma and Its Effects on Treatment-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review. Mil Med. 2018 Nov 1;183(11-12):e427-e437. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usx219. PMID: 29528430.