It’s important to talk about men and mental health. Here are 5 reasons we need to discuss men’s mental health more.
Note: I am not a mental health professional. The information presented in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or to replace a medical diagnosis from a mental health professional or your primary care physician. The following information is for educational purposes only.
Mental health is such an important topic- and it’s so great that we are starting to talk about it more and more in recent years. However, one of the aspects of mental health that we still fail to mention is the subject of men and mental health.
For decades, men have been viewed as stoic, emotionless, and unable to express themselves. For this reason, they are rarely included in the conversation about mental health.
Culturally men are still expected to dust things off, learn to hide their feelings, and even “be a man.” This narrative is harmful and one that we need to work to change!
In this blog post, I’ve put together five reasons we need to include men in the conversation about mental health.
Why Are Men Less Likely To Talk?
Mental health illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of gender. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the United States, one in nearly every five adults lives with some mental health illness as of 2020. Yet, men are less likely to talk, seek treatment, or even take a mental health evaluation than women.
While the conversation surrounding mental health has significantly grown over the last decade, men still struggle to cope with potentially having a mental health illness. Societal and cultural expectations and traditional gender roles explain why men’s mental health is rarely discussed.
We know about the gender stereotypes for women and that they can damage women– they have slim bodies, beautiful skin, soft personalities, modesty…etc. However, men can also be injured by stereotypes.
Men are expected to be the financial supporter, the head of the household, the muscles, the strong, dominant, intelligent, etc. Men’s mental health stigmas such as these make it difficult for men to reach out for help when suffering from mental health.
It's important to talk about men and mental health. Here are 5 reasons we need to discuss men's mental health more. #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters Click To TweetMen and Mental Health: The Facts
Men are less likely to talk about mental health but are more likely to use harmful coping mechanisms such as drinking, smoking, or gambling. Also, the rate of suicide among men has dramatically increased since 1999, according to a study done by the CDC.
Suicide is the 7th leading cause for men, accounting for almost 2.2% of deaths. Several risk factors put men at a higher risk of suicide and self-harm. Some of these risk factors include:
- Social isolation
- Unemployment
- PTSD
- Military trauma
- Early childhood abuse
- Sexual orientation
- Familial problems
- Financial strain
About 6 million men in the United States have a mental illness; some may not even know it. Some of the most common mental health illnesses and disorders experienced by men are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis, and eating disorders.
Including men in mental health can help them overcome the mental and emotional barriers holding them back. However, “I’m fine” can only get a person so far, especially men, since they are more likely to commit suicide.
No one should have to suffer in silence, regardless of their gender. Opening the conversation to include men and mental health can change how we treat their feelings, emotions, mental stability, and overall health.
Here are the five reasons we need to include men in mental health.
Why Should We Include Men In The Conversation
We Need To Destigmatize Men’s Mental Health
The fight against mental health stigmas is currently ongoing. This fight includes providing people with proper mental health resources, education, and information on mental health. Unfortunately, the lack of understanding and information on mental health illnesses has made it more difficult for men to seek the help they need.
Mental health illnesses can affect all genders, ages, and races. Yet, many think this is simply a “women’s problem” because men can’t be too emotional, have breakdowns, or experience trauma. But they’re wrong. Muscular men can experience panic attacks, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
We need more men to speak out against these stigmas in men’s mental health, share their experiences, and discuss their mental health more.
We Need More Men’s Mental Health Resources
Yes, you read that correctly. But, we need additional resources tailored to men. For example, there are many general mental health or women’s health resources within the mental health industry. But, there isn’t a lot for men.
Regarding men and mental health, we need to create resources that help men battle topics that affect them the most, such as toxic masculinity, alcoholism, sexual orientation, substance abuse, financial strain, etc.
Talking about issues related to accessing men’s mental health resources can help psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and other mental health professionals to conduct more research on the problem. Therefore creating more opportunities for men to learn about their mental health.
Did you know these facts about men's mental health? #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters Click To TweetWe Need To Support More Men’s Mental Health
Men need more support in the mental health world. They undergo unnecessary stress, trauma, and pain, living up to societal and gender expectations. Men are not naturally used to sharing their innermost feelings, emotions, or thoughts, so supporting them goes a long way to helping them overcome these battles.
Supporting men’s mental health may include
- Sharing your experience
- Walk and talk
- Acknowledging difficult situations
- Supporting their decisions
- Offering assistance in finding professional help
- Always asking
We Need To Acknowledge That Mental Health Affects Men Too
You’re probably tired of reading this. Mental health affects anyone and everyone. However, they do differ in gender. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety. At the same time, men lean towards antisocial disorders, substance abuse, and depression.
Also, men are more likely to externalize their emotions, resulting in aggressive behavior, physical altercations, impulsive behaviors, and noncompliance with authority figures. Conversely, women internalize feelings that typically lead to loneliness, withdrawal, and depression.
While the way mental health looks differ across gender and sex, there is one thing both share. Mental health illnesses can equally harm men and women. However, acknowledging men’s mental health gives them the confidence to seek help, get educated, and even stay in touch with their inner emotional selves.
We Need To Lower The Risk In Male Populations
As mentioned, men above 35 are at a higher risk of suicide, self-harm, and harmful behaviors. Therefore, we must recognize the risk factors, intervene, and talk to loved ones experiencing suicidal ideation.
By recognizing these risk factors and having meaningful conversations about men and mental health, we can better address the problems and help those suffering in silence.
Why Is Men’s Mental Health Important?
We need to talk more openly about mental health. No man should have to suffer in silence or pretend that they’re okay, even if he is not. Talking about men’s mental health and including them in the conversation can help future generations feel more comfortable speaking up.
Mental health illnesses such as depression, psychosis, anxiety, and eating disorders cannot be willed away. Nor can they be pushed away via male mentality. These mental disorders affect daily livelihood, interpersonal relationships, and overall health.
A mental health illness is not a weakness; men must learn this.
FREE Resources For Men
Although there aren’t many mental health resources mainly targeted at men, there are some. Below are some FREE mental health resources specifically for men.
- Therapy For Black Men
- Man’s Therapy
- Movember
- Men’s Center
- Black Men Health
If you want additional mental health resources, read this post.
This is a beautiful post, such an important topic thats not spoken about enough, thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for reading Leena
Each person is affected by issues with mental health. It has nothing to do with gender. I think our world is too concentrated on what’s inside our pants. For reals, why is there so much ender stigma still? Your post is on point!
I will never understand it either, but I think it’s just a gender expectation. As a society, we see men as emotionally adept, so we don’t expect them to have any problems of their own.
This is such an incredible wealth of information. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed and I’m glad you’re doing it. I’ve lost a couple make friends to suicide and I can’t help but wonder if things could have been different.
I am so sorry for what you’ve been through. We cannot change the past, but hopefully we can change the future.
This is such an important post. The statistics are truly shocking but the more we talk about men’s mental health hopefully more men will feel comfortable enough to open up and seek support.
Agreed.
As the daughter of a man who died by suicide, I cannot agree with you more. Thank you for using your profile to speak out on this matter. It’s so important.
I’m so sorry you went through that. I hope I can educate more people on it.
I cannot begin to love this post enough, Riyah. Because my best friend (a male) died by suicide several years ago, and I don’t think it is something that is talked about nearly enough. I really just want to thank you for bringing attention to such an important topic.
I’m so sorry for your loss Erica. I hope that men can feel free to express themselves and take care of their mental health one day. But, it starts with raising awareness and educating others.
Thank you for shedding light on men and mental health. As an African American male, I am now aware that mental health in the African American community is still taboo and is not talked about. We were socialized to not express our feelings because it is seen as a sign of weakness or a feminine trait. This has created a HUGH PROBLEM. This is why suicide and other mental illnesses are more common among men. I started a FB group Beerurmental with the hope of destigmatizing mental health.
Hi Kevin, I think it’s amazing that your taking the initiative to break the stigma on mental health, especially within the male community. As an African American woman, I know how hard it is to talk about the history of mental health within our own without acknowledging some of the societal issues that’s caused these problems such as institutionalized racism, police brutality, and financial inequality.