From a very tender age, boys are often told that they need to be independent and strong. They are taught to keep their emotions to themselves, a belief that could eventually lead to tragic results.
In the United States, research has indicated than men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide as compared to women.
The higher suicide rate are attributed to the fact that men find it difficult to seek mental health support.
Times have changed, there has been increased mental health awareness, and men should try to understand that seeking support for their mental health can greatly change their life.
It is also important to understand the unique ways through which men can express and experience mental health struggles.
Some of the symptoms experienced by men going through mental challenges includes:
- Lack of Concentration
- Aggression, anger and irritability.
- Body aches/pains and digestive problems with undefined causes
- Participating in risky practices
- Feeling unexcited by the things they used to enjoy
- Abuse of alcohol and drugs
- Trouble sleeping
- Sorrow
- Suicide ideation.
Reason as to why men fear to seek for help regarding their mental wellness:
- Social stigma-Most men fear judgment and shame if they express their struggles.
- Difficulty in expressing emotions- According to most men, seeking for help may make them seem as weak leading them to be hesitant about seeking psychiatric help
- Perception-Some men dislike the idea of being dependent on medications or therapy to be functional.
Strategies of overcoming men’s mental problems:
- The first thing for every man to do, is to first understand that it is okay to seek mental support from friends, family or mental institutions.
- Men should also prioritize self-care which includes exercising regularly and taking balanced diet meals.
- Other important strategies includes: meditation, building social connections, engaging in hobbies, and seeking counseling.