Do you or a man in your life struggle with anxiety, depression, or feelings of profound loneliness and isolation? Do you feel trapped by societal expectations to always be in control and handle everything by yourself? You may fear judgment from others and view seeking help as a sign of weakness.
Despite conversations and growing awareness about mental health issues, stigma and cultural expectations still prevent many men from seeking the help they need.
June: Male Mental Health Awareness Month
June marks Male Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s an important reminder that mental health challenges do not discriminate by gender. Of course, men’s mental health stays a priority throughout the year. Still, Male Mental Health Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to start the conversation and get the word out.
Male Mental Health in Numbers
Studies show that women are more likely than men to experience and report mental health problems like depression and anxiety. In contrast, men are more likely to exhibit externalized issues like anger, violence, and substance abuse. However, men are just as vulnerable to mental health disorders as women – this disparity may stem from men’s reluctance to seek help.
- In 2021, only 40% of men with mental health conditions received support, compared to 51.7% of women.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men have a suicide rate four times higher than women, accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides.
- MHA’s data shows that around 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression annually, often remaining undiagnosed and untreated.
- Anxiety disorders such as phobias and panic disorders affect more than 3 million men.
- Men make up 90% of those with schizophrenia diagnoses by the age of 30.
- 10% of those struggling with bulimia and anorexia are males, while 35% of men have a binge-eating disorder.
- About one in five men will become dependent on alcohol during their lives.
- LGBTQ+ males are more likely to suffer mental health disorders than their straight and cis counterparts.
Signs of Mental Health Challenges in Males
Although men and women face similar mental health challenges, these issues are often more complex to detect in men because they tend to suppress their emotions, resorting to unhealthy coping strategies.
Here are some red flags that may suggest a man is struggling with mental health:
- Feeling edgy and restless
- Irritability, anger, and aggressiveness
- Controlling or violent behavior
- Noticeable mood changes
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Relationship issues
- Sleep and appetite changes
- Reduced productivity at work
- Avoidant behavior, like overworking or overexercising yourself
- Physical signs include pains, aches, high blood pressure, and stomach issues.
Boys Don’t Cry: How Toxic Masculinity and Stigma Prevent Men from Seeking Support
Most Western societies place extreme pressure on men to conform to masculinity stereotypes, teaching boys and young men that they must always appear strong and self-reliant. As a child, you learned that you should be the one to console and protect, not the one seeking comfort. Such harmful perceptions lead emotional suppression, which can lead males to mistake sensitivity for weakness or avoid seeking mental health care due to fear of judgment.
Toxic masculinity leads to the stigmatization of mental illness, creating a significant barrier to seeking mental health support. This stigma discourages men from expressing vulnerability or admitting they need help. In contrast, cultural expectations encourage risk-taking behaviors as a sign of strength. However, they frequently lead to adverse outcomes for men’s well-being.
Supporting Men’s Mental Health
By fostering open conversations, encouraging support, and promoting accessible resources, we can help break down the barriers that hinder men’s mental well-being. Encouraging men to seek professional mental health support, challenge their beliefs about masculinity, and openly express their vulnerability is crucial for encouraging males to prioritize their well-being and seek support.
