People –men included– of different sex, race, locality can experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Gender stereotypes and stigma can also make it harder for men and their healthcare professionals to know when they might need mental health support.
Two reasons Why Men Need To Take Their Mental Health Seriously
1. To Break The Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
While we have made an effort to reduce the stigma around mental illness, there is still more work to be done to normalise the idea of seeking help. This is especially true for men, who may feel ashamed or guilty about admitting they need assistance.
Some of the problems may be that some men see asking for help as a sign of weakness. This outdated way of thinking needs to change to better support the mental health of all individuals.
Mental illness should be viewed the same way as any other physical disease – it is not a personal failure but requires medical attention. We can create a more supportive and inclusive society by breaking down the barriers that prevent men from seeking help.
Men’s mental health is an important issue that often gets overlooked. International Men’s Day celebrates men and their mental health. These are great ways to break the stigma around men’s mental condition and encourage more open discussion.
2. Destroy Toxic Masculinity.
It’s not just asking for help that men seem to struggle with. The American Psychological Association has found that some men have difficulty establishing social connections. This could be because of how males are taught to be strong and quiet.
From the research, this masculinity model can lead to increased rates of depression and substance misuse. If we need to help men before they reach a breaking point, we must change how we view how they should find courage. Emphasising healthy coping resources and emotional connections could make things easier and better for them. Why Men Need To Take Their Mental Health Seriously
How to end the stigma
It’s essential to address the stigma around men asking for help. Too often, men feel like they have to tough it out by themself, even in the face of physical illness. This can lead to denial that there is a problem with everyone.
We can all foster more transparency around mental health and substance abuse issues. No one is immune to stress. Talking with others about how it affects you can foster empathy, camaraderie, and support — all of which fight against the feelings of isolation on which addiction and mental health issues can thrive. Depression includes many types of depression that can manifest in different ways. You might also want to talk with competent health practitioners about your mental health problem for a better solution.