Mental Health Mythbusters
Men and women experience many of the same mental health disorders, but their willingness to talk about their challenges and feelings are very different. The perceived standards of masculinity and stigmas surrounding men seeking support for mental health disorders continue to present challenges.
In scenarios where a lack of conversation surrounding mental health related challenges exist, the absence of communication may lead to a worsening of underlying conditions and to a more acute state of the presenting disorder.
Here are some facts about Canadian men and their mental health:
So why is this happening? Why are so few men seeking treatment for mental health challenges?
The current climate for men’s mental health has come to a critical point in history, where national strategies need to be made to address the increasing number of men who are experiencing mental health-related challenges.
As a society, stigmas associated with mental health are prevalent and common. Men face the added stigma that seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness, that ‘real men’ don’t ask for help, and that talking about topics like anxiety and depression won’t help. Men often experience further bias within male counterparts with the perceived belief that mental health challenges make men a burden to others, and men should be able to control and manage their own feelings. Whatever the stigmas, we need to stop shaming men into thinking they are inadequate if they express a need to address mental health challenges or concerns. Without support and empathy, men will continue to suffer in silence and experience worsening or more acute challenges with mental health disorders.
Men aren’t unique to the stigmas associated with mental health; they may be less likely to discuss or address their concerns due to specific conditioning. As a society, we can work together to address stigmas about mental health, and encourage more people to discuss their challenges openly.
If we look at our individual ability to support and facilitate change, there is a lot that we can do to influence how we think about men’s mental health. Becoming an ally for those in need of, or seeking mental health support provides a safe, unbiased and supportive network for those in need.
One of the significant challenges with helping men address their mental health is encouraging and allowing them to speak openly and confidently about it. Men are typically conditioned throughout their life to not speak or act emotionally. As a supportive resource for men, it is always helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that a male in your life may be experiencing mental health-related concerns. Although day to day changes in behaviour are common and not cause for immediate concern, if behavioural changes continue for an extended period, typically two to four weeks it may be an indication of a mental health disorder. Here are a few visible indicators that someone may be experiencing challenges with their mental health:
It’s common for these indicators to be signs of physical illness as well. It’s important not to diagnosis, and seeking support from a physician, qualified medical professional, or counsellor may be a positive first step in finding help. So what can be done if you notice some of the above signs and symptoms?
With a greater understanding of the challenges men face when it comes to mental health, and given the various signs and symptoms that your male counterparts may exhibit, what are the actions that you and/or your organization should be doing to support men’s mental health?
Men aren’t unique to the stigmas associated with mental health; they may be less likely to discuss or address their concerns due to specific conditioning. As a society, we can work together to address stigmas about mental health, and encourage more people to discuss their challenges openly. The more we become comfortable talking about these challenges, the healthier our society will be. Support the men in your life by being an advocate for reducing stigmas around mental health, and being a voice for them when they need you the most.
References
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