Mental health problems impact everyone – men and women. Unfortunately, there are so many stigmas surrounding mental health issues, and many of them cause men to avoid getting the treatment they need.
According to the CDC, the rate of depression among men is roughly 5-6%. This means that millions of men in the U.S. alone are dealing with depression. Men also have a higher suicide rate than women. In addition, about three times as many men as women have problems with alcohol abuse.
So, why are men so hesitant to seek out help for mental health problems?
The Stigma and Stereotypes
There really isn’t one concrete answer as to why men tend to avoid mental health treatment more than women. But, one common theory has a lot to do with ego. Many men still see things like depression and anxiety as a sign of weakness. They don’t want to give in to the idea that they aren’t in control or that they might need help.
There’s pressure on men to go it alone. There is a need for them to be strong. Even if that stereotype seems outdated, it’s still true for a lot of men, and even how some women view the men they’re with.
Of course, there are also still stigmas surrounding mental illness. These stigmas cause women to sometimes forego treatment, too. But, it’s even worse for men.
Signs of Mental Health Problems in Men
Men deal with the same mental health concerns as women. As a result, many of the symptoms are the same. Still, men sometimes experience more physical symptoms, where women tend to experience more emotional symptoms.
For example, if you’re a man struggling with depression, you might be fatigued, have trouble sleeping, or have frequent headaches. These physical symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, but going to your standard physician won’t be enough to treat the underlying mental health problem. Additionally, you may feel more irritable and dissatisfied rather than sad, so you may not recognize it as a part of depression.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, you might also feel scared or unprepared in certain situations. These and many other mental health problems can quickly start to take over your life.
Understanding the signs and how they can manifest themselves is important. The more you know about some of the symptoms, the sooner you can choose to seek out help.
When Should You Ask for Help?
You don’t have to wait for certain signs or signals to get help for mental health issues. If you don’t feel like yourself or if you know something just isn’t right, take the first step toward crushing those stigmas.
But, if you’re not sure what you’re really struggling with, consider some of the following signs:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Sudden mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Performing poorly at work
- Weight fluctuation
If you’re experiencing any of those signs, it could mean its time to talk to a mental health professional.
Learn More & Seek Support
While therapy is often the best option for those dealing with a mental health problem, you can start by educating yourself on more signs and symptoms. Learning more about the ins and outs of mental health can eventually make it easier to admit you need help.
Support groups, family members, and friends can also be a big help when it comes to your treatment and progress. As a man, it’s important to surround yourself with people who will support your decision to seek help.
If you’re a man who thinks you might be struggling with a mental health condition, it’s okay to take that first step. Don’t wait until the problem is too big to handle or completely takes over your life. Feel free to read more about depression and anxiety or contact me.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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