Many factors affect men’s mental health, but few people know them. Those factors include social norms, upbringing, and role models. Unfortunately, these factors can hurt men’s mental health. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of these factors and develop support systems to help men get the help they need.
Stress
Stress is a common factor in our lives, and men can be more susceptible to stress than women. Stress affects both mental and physical health. While men report lower stress levels than women, many men experience significant stress. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing a chronic illness associated with high-stress levels. In addition, unmanaged stress can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression. Recognizing the signs of stress is the first step to dealing with it effectively.
Research shows that men are far more likely to take drugs to cope with stress than women. Men are three times more likely to report using illegal substances and are twice as likely to have used these substances regularly. Unfortunately, this behavior is incredibly harmful: two-thirds of men die from drugs. Furthermore, men are less likely than women to believe that stress affects their overall health and don’t understand the importance of healthy lifestyles for mental health.
Social factors
Mental health professionals at Denver Men’s Therapy recognize the impact of social factors on mental illnesses and substance use disorders, but they have focused less on societal factors. These social factors can also impact physical health and can be addressed through public policies, environmental changes, and individual decisions. Ultimately, improving mental health and well-being depends on addressing the causes of these conditions, including those that affect the health of individuals and society.
Many men face additional challenges when it comes to mental health. For example, Black men in the U.S. are six times more likely to be murdered than white men. In addition, Black men are more likely to attempt suicide and be incarcerated. These barriers can discourage men from seeking treatment and make it difficult for them to seek appropriate care.
Financial
To increase awareness about mental health issues in men, Luke Newman launched For Men To Talk in 2019. The project aims to raise awareness among men and help prevent suicide, particularly among older and middle-aged men. It is funded through the Heads Up fund, which has already received PS4,198 from the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group. Local donations have also contributed to the project.
The service is an integrated support package for men needing psychosocial support. It addresses structural problems such as unemployment, homelessness, and benefit claims and offers a wide range of emotional support. It also provides specialist advice and financial support.
Legal
A growing body of research suggests that men’s mental health is a public health problem. This topic has gained a greater focus in recent years due to several factors, including research in psychiatric epidemiology and the broader social sciences, which suggests that specific subgroups of men are marginalized by socioeconomic change. Additionally, activists and scholars in related fields have called for greater attention to men’s issues. This research outlines common themes and aims to support men in overcoming the “silent crisis.”
Men’s mental health is an issue that requires a multi-pronged public health approach. These efforts must take place at the individual level and the health services and societal level.
Depression
Men are less likely to seek out medical treatment for depression than women. Perceived social pressures can also prevent men from seeking treatment. However, there are ways to help men manage their depression. The first step is to recognize the signs. Depression can present as aggressive behavior, impulsive risk-taking, or sleep disturbance.
The second step is to find a healthcare professional. A health care professional can refer someone to a therapist or psychiatrist, and these professionals can provide treatment. They can also refer patients to other mental health professionals.
Suicide
There is a great deal of stigma about mental health among men, and it’s estimated that 70 percent of men will not seek help for their problems. However, if you’re worried that a man you know is suffering from depression, it’s a good idea to discuss it with them and get them the help they need. Many resources are available to help them through this process, including counseling services, your GP, and other professionals.
Studies show that suicide is more common among males than females and that men are less likely to have a diagnosed mental health disorder. Suicide is the eighth-leading cause of death in men ages ten and older in the U.S., with more than 70,000 deaths reported from 2016 to 2018. More than 42,000 of these men who committed suicide had no history of mental illness.
