WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2023 (HealthDay News) — With regards to mental health, men don’t all the time seek help after they need it. But possibly they need to.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, so listed here are essentially the most common mental health conditions men experience, the symptoms which will differ in men vs. women and what resources can be found for those looking for treatment options.
Common mental health conditions in men
Based on Mental Health America, essentially the most common men’s mental health conditions are:
- Depression and suicide
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Psychosis and schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
“It’s an indication of strength to discuss these issues together with your health care provider, counselor or a supportive member of the family or friend,” Piedmont Healthcare family medicine physician Dr. Siraj Abdullah said in a recent story. “As men, we are likely to let stress construct up until it affects our mental and physical health. Talking about your mental health is a approach to care for your body.”
How men’s mental health symptoms may show up in another way from women
The explanations that mental health symptoms may be different for men and girls are complex, in response to Kathryn McHugh, chief of psychology at McLean Hospital in Boston.
She noted in an article that “biology isn’t the one piece of the puzzle. There are also many social and cultural aspects that play a task in mental health and wellness, reminiscent of social role expectations, discrimination and violence.”
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that the predominant mental health symptoms in men that could be different from those present in women are:
- Abuse or misuse of medication or alcohol
- Noticeable changes in mood, appetite or energy levels
- Violent, controlling or abusive behavior
- Digestive issues, headaches and pain
- Escaping into work, sports or other distracting behavior
- Risk-taking
Men with depression are also more likely than women to report symptoms of fatigue and lack of interest in work or hobbies, in response to Mental Health America.
Men and suicide
Men are particularly liable to suicide. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says men are 4 times more prone to commit suicide than women. And gay and bisexual men under the age of 25 are at the next risk for attempting suicide than the final male population, in response to Mental Health America.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center notes that one in every of the explanations for higher male suicide rates is that men are less prone to get behavioral health care than women. The middle suggests getting help before a mental health crisis occurs. This may include:
- Searching for behavioral health care, reminiscent of seeing a therapist
- Connecting to family, friends, community and social organizations
- Learning life skills like problem-solving and techniques for adapting to vary
- Engaging with spiritual, religious or other belief practices that discourage suicide
Men’s mental health resources: Tips on how to get help
The American Psychological Association offers a database of hundreds of therapists. Just put in your zip code, provider name or practice area. Once the outcomes show up, you possibly can sort the psychologists by quite a lot of categories, reminiscent of gender and treatment methods.
If you happen to’re in search of a men’s mental health hotline to debate your issues confidentially at no charge, the Mental Health Hotline provides a toll-free number with counselors on standby 24/7. The organization also lists several condition-specific hotlines for health issues reminiscent of anxiety, depression, PTSD and more — plus links to helpful resources on these conditions.
This website is definitely administered by multiple agencies, including the Colorado Department of Public Health. It combines helpful mental health techniques and quizzes with humor and a uniquely human touch. There’s a web-based peer chat, 20-point head inspection and a frightened about someone page to assist family members of men who could also be experiencing mental health issues.
Multicultural care meets mutual aid at Therapy for Black Men, where the coaches and counselors strive to supply free or discounted services to Black men with mental health concerns. You may meet in person or online for a session, and there’s also a number of articles and social resources, including community organizations aimed toward helping your mental health thrive.
Several medications could also be prescribed by your doctor to aid you balance your mental health. Based on the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, these include:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antipsychotics
- Stimulants
- Mood stabilizers
If you happen to’re experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation and want to discuss with someone, call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline offers free, confidential emotional support across the US, 24 hours a day, seven days every week.