Men’s Health Focus, Part Two: Mental Health

So, guys, doing alright?

It’s a good question. We all should be concerned about men’s health. In Part 1 of this two-part salute to men’s health, we looked at how guys can safeguard their overall physical wellness. But just like our physical health, our mental health can suffer for many reasons.

An infographic from Mental Health America raises some red flags:

Depression

Over 6 million men suffer from depression per year, and male depression often goes undiagnosed. While feelings of sadness or worthlessness are often associated with depression, men might more commonly experience fatigue, irritability, or a loss of interest in work or hobbies.

Anxiety

Approximately 19.1 million American adults ages 18 to 54 have an anxiety disorder, including 3 million men with a panic disorder, agoraphobia (fearing or avoiding places or situations that might cause panic, or feelings of being trapped) or any other phobia.

Mental illness

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million Americans, an equal number of men and women, with an onset for men between 16 to 25. Schizophrenia impacts 3.5 million people in the U.S. and it is one of the leading causes of disability. Ninety percent of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia by age 30 are men.

Alcohol and drug dependency

Approximately 1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lives. Male military veterans and gay men are more likely to have higher rates of substance abuse.

Signs and Symptoms

In the past, men might have been encouraged to “man up” and not talk about their problems or stressful life events. Fortunately, that’s changing. Counseling for mental health does not mean you are crazy. It is not a woman-thing or for weak people. On the contrary, it can take a lot of strength and wisdom to admit to a mental-health struggle.

Today, we know a lot more about the science of mental health and health care providers know much more about how to help treat issues like depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Learning to identify symptoms is the first step.

The National Institute of Mental Health outlines common symptoms of mental disorders and conditions:

Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
Increased worry or feeling stressed
Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both
Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
Engaging in high-risk activities
Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

It’s important to note, too, that it is normal for someone to feel sad after a death, divorce, or breakup, or during struggles with school or work, or financial problems. And, in many cases, mental and physical health issues are linked: Exercise, eating right, and getting a good night’s sleep are important for overall wellness.

Ways You Can Help

If you notice worrisome symptoms—in yourself or a loved one—talk to a healthcare provider and visit the NIMH to learn more about sources of help. And if you or someone you know is having a crisis, remember that every person nationwide can call or text 988 or online chat with 988lifeline.org to reach trained crisis counselors who can help in a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis.

In a mental health outreach initiative, “Brother, You’re on My Mind,” the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities recommends support and understanding if someone is experiencing depression or other mental health struggles, as well as a few suggested conversation openers:

I have been worried about you. How are you—really?
I’ve noticed some changes in you lately and wanted to check in with you.
It sounds like you’re having a tough time. It must be really hard to try to hold everything together when you are feeling this bad.

Just listening can mean a lot. Men need to know they don’t need to suffer alone.