The diagnosis of mental health issues is widespread. However, only a proportion of those who suffer feel comfortable in speaking up and accepting professional support. A group that significantly struggles to come to terms with the diagnosis of depression, anxiety or further mood disorders is men.
Men are perceived as strong, as masculine and as those who can cope through tough situations. However, under the surface, we must remember that men are human, have feelings and have the right to be sensitive. Through such perceptions, society has made it difficult for men to speak up about mental health issues, actively contributing to the problem.
However, we must also consider how susceptible men can be to such diagnosis, down to their triggers, behaviours and for some, addictive personalities. Greater awareness indefinitely is necessary on the correlation between mental health & men, helping to not only highlight signs and possible avenues of support but to also break the stigma on men’s mental health.
If you’re personally struggling, we at Action Rehab are here to help you feel at ease, to feel comfortable with professional support, and to find healthy coping strategies through rehab. No matter your gender or background, please remember that speaking out about your mental health is the best way moving forward, to help you recover and enjoy a quality life.
It’s time to increase the awareness of mental health issues in men, and subsequently, support for men.
The rise of mental health issues in men
Down to the stereotype of masculine and strong traits, poor mental health and men have been an overlooked correlation for years. However, as more men struggle, as more men speak out, and sadly as more men act on their mental health, through suicide and substance abuse, it’s clear that both a rise and problem are amounting.
Through recent research, it’s found that 1 in every 8 men suffer from a degree of mental health issues, spanning across a range of depressive, panic, compulsive and addictive behaviours. It’s also sadly found that three times the amount, of men, commit suicide, in comparison to women, driven by mental health deterioration.
There are a number of different factors which are known to increase the correlation between poor mental health & men, including increased use of drugs and alcohol, increased exposure to addictive and compulsive activities, and sadly lower qualities of life and wellbeing.
Down to such a rise, it’s therefore imperative that we work to increase the awareness of both mental health issues for men, and supportive resources, to promote psychological and emotional support as a normalised step. As only 36% of therapy sessions are completed by men, it’s time to reduce the taboo-like image of speaking out, to also reduce the impacts of poor mental health in men.
The stigma of mental health in men
As a whole, opening up about mental health, in comparison to physical health is seen as a harder step. This is commonly down to the stereotype of such mental health issues, which reduces the attractiveness of treatment and support.
However, there is a strong stigma for men, making it near enough impossible to feel comfortable with accepting and trusting professional support. This is exactly why it’s important that focus is placed on the rates and impacts of mental health problems in men, as many individuals brush over such problems, ignore the signs and utilise unhealthy coping strategies.
Too much pressure and expectations are placed on men through society, which we can start to change. Of course, many men do struggle emotionally and lack an understanding of their own responses. Yet, by breaking the stigma, greater awareness can be made on emotional vulnerabilities, to showcase men that reaching out is ok.
Mental health & men – the need to speak up
Similar in women, mental health issues in men can vary in severity, can be triggered by random and personal stimulus, and can amount to a range of diagnoses. However, as suicide rates are so much higher in men, and as coping strategies, of the negative kind, are more prevalent, there’s now an urgency for breaking the stigma.
As support has been neglected for men, men have neglected their mental health. A spiralling effect has been experienced, which is now associated with addiction, burnout and with declined wellbeing.
If you’re feeling low, if your behaviours or emotions have adapted, if you’re leaning on negative coping strategies, and if you’re neglecting your mental health, we urge you to speak up. Without doing so, mental health issues can significantly materialise, just as dangerous as physical problems, turning life-threatening for many men.
Middle-aged men are found to experience the greatest impact of mental health issues, leading to suicide. Yet, sadly, more and more men are looking for an irreversible coping strategy, rather than a management tool. Support and resources can help to reduce your emotional and mental struggles. We urge you to reach out for support, as you’re not alone, and as you’re worthy of leading a happier life.
Tackling mental health triggers and issues
It’s natural that if you’re struggling with poor mental health, that you’ll hope to manage your symptoms alone. There are some steps you can take to improve your lifestyle, subsequently improve your mental wellbeing and stability.
However, talking therapies and professional interventive steps are encouraged to help work out and work through personal mental health triggers. Through personal assessments, a recovery programme can be put in place to combine proactive treatments, promoted to tackle mental health issues.
We at Action Rehab are here to assist with this process, ensuring that you can access mental health treatments and support services, to ease and manage your symptoms. It’s understandable that you may feel stigmatised as a man, and that you may feel like your image or strength may be reduced. Yet, this is the truth, where your value and strength as a person will remain.
Reach out for support with your mental health, no matter your gender, with the aim to experience a happy and healthy life. Mental health issues in men are concerningly rising, which is why we’re here to break the stigma and share awareness of support. Accepting support is ok and is wise, to help improve your mental health symptoms.
Sources
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health
https://www.samaritans.org/wales/about-samaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/
https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-improve-your-life
Posted on Friday, April 9th, 2021 at 12:50 pm in Mental Health.
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