Men Introduction Given the suicide rates for men in 2022 according to the Centers for Disease Control, let's examine men's mental health. Gentlemen, you are suffering in silence. You know it, and so do I. You are not alone. You can get the help that you need. As you take care of others, you must care for your own mental health needs. Do yourselves a favor and share with a professional your symptoms and how you are feeling. It is not a sign of weakness or an inability to take care of your needs independently. It is, however, a sign of strength. Men Suffer In Silence I am cognizant and protective of the mental health of men within my personal life. I know that it is easy for them to default to strength as opposed to acknowledging their limitations or internal challenges, such as their symptoms mental health. Their perception of weakness is stronger than the truth and for some men, it causes resistance and/or defensiveness. Many believe that it is easier to resolve the problem(s) themselves and, "Who wants to go to therapy" to learn how to deal with something that they can control. It is very difficult for men view themselves as not being able to handle most things, let alone their own mental health. However, let me share a reality check: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In 2020, the suicide rate among males was 4 times higher than the rate among females. Males made up 49% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides in the United States (see the link below). www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html Do the percentages make sense to you? It does to me and here are a few examples of men's rationale to me as a mental health professional, for avoiding treatment. This also explain why I understand the percentages:
1) Stigma Research has shown that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women, and are more likely to die by suicide. This may be due to a variety of factors, including stigma around mental health. Mental health issues are often stigmatized in our society, and there may be cultural or societal expectations that men should be "tough" or "strong" and not show vulnerability or weakness. This can make men reluctant to seek help for mental health concerns, as they may worry about being judged or perceived as weak or "less of a man." Some men may worry that seeking mental health treatment or support could have negative consequences, such as impacting their career, social status, or relationships. Educating men and society as a whole about mental health and the importance of seeking help for mental health concerns can help reduce the stigma around mental health and increase understanding of the challenges that men may face. Providing male-specific support such as support services and resources that specifically cater to the needs of men, such as men's mental health support groups or workshops, can help ensure that men receive the support they need in a way that is tailored to their specific needs and concerns. 2) Silent Suffering Men continue to work, play sports, and take care of their responsibilities while suffering emotionally. They experience symptoms of mental health differently than women and they will certainly remain silent about their feelings. Or, men may be more likely to experience anger or irritability as symptoms of depression, rather than feelings of sadness or hopelessness. They are also less likely to talk openly about their emotions and feelings, making it harder for them to recognize when they are struggling and to seek the support they need it. When tragedy happens such as suicide, many are shocked to learn about this unfortunately turn of events only to say, "He did not seem sick or sad." Silent suffering is probably the most hurtful to me because in these cases, most families are unaware of this man's suffering and are shocked by the completed suicide. You never know when someone is suffering and this is especially true about men. Encouraging men to talk openly about their emotions and feelings can help create a culture where mental health concerns are taken seriously and addressed. Providing safe spaces where men can talk without fear of judgement or stigma can be helpful in this regard. 3) Cultural and Societal Expectations of Masculinity Cultural and societal expectations of masculinity can play a significant role in how men perceive and express their mental health concerns. Traditionally, many societies have placed a strong emphasis on traditional masculine traits, such as strength, self-reliance, and emotional stoicism. These expectations can create a stigma around mental health issues and seeking help for them, as men may feel that admitting to having a problem or expressing their emotions is a sign of weakness. Men who struggle with mental health issues may feel that they are not meeting these traditional masculine expectations, which can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and inadequacy. This can make it harder for them to seek help or talk openly about their struggles with mental health. By challenging traditional notions of masculinity and promoting mental health awareness and education, we can help create a culture where men feel more comfortable seeking help and talking openly about their mental health struggles. This can involve promoting a more holistic view of masculinity that acknowledges the importance of emotional expression and vulnerability for men. 4) Men's Fears Understanding and addressing men's concerns and fears about their mental health, such as fear of diagnosis or treatment, can help them feel more comfortable seeking mental healthcare. Men may worry about the following issues which add to their fears:
5) Access Some men are less aware of the symptoms of mental health issues or the resources available to them for help. They may face barriers to accessing mental health treatment or support, such as financial or logistical challenges, long wait times for appointments, or a shortage of mental health professionals in their area. Providing men with access to affordable and accessible mental health resources, such as therapy, support groups, and hotlines, can help ensure that they receive the support they need. Conclusion Men need to prioritize their mental health. Ladies, if they resist, push them harder. There is no need in suffering. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional or support organization for help. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and everyone deserves to have their mental health needs addressed and supported. By working to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote more inclusive and supportive cultural and societal expectations of masculinity, we can help ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, can access the help and support they need to maintain good mental health. I am now. a contributor for the online edition of Psychology Today. Please take a moment to read my articles: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spotlight-on-special-education Image by Royal Anwar from Pixabay
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