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Mostly Cloudy Let's talk about men's depression
June is Men’s Health Month, and anchored by a Congressional health education program, it is now being celebrated across the country. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to address “cultural stigma” and how it relates to men and their mental health. Why? Because as we all know, men deeply feel, care, love and hurt but yet, feel it’s necessary to maintain the stiff-upper-lip mentality when suffering emotionally, are depressed or anxious. To “man up,” as though your gender alone should suffice to guide you through your darkest times when, in fact, it takes real courage to seek help in addressing any mental health related illness, and the toxic stigma currently attached to it. The social pressure for men to deal with the emotional challenges in life alone is a cruel, emotional burden that only adds insult to injury, and as such, needs to be dismantled for the emotional health and wellbeing for men of all ages.
After all, Men’s Health statistics show that 9 percent of men experience depression on a daily basis. That’s more than 6 million men. More than 3 million men struggle with anxiety daily, and an estimated 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, additionally one out of every five men will develop an alcohol dependency during his life, according to the same study. Male suicide is rising at such an alarming rate that it’s been classified as a “silent epidemic.” It’s the seventh leading cause of death for males. That’s a staggering statistic.
As such, we need to give men a voice relating to mental health, while sharing that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious or scared. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and to feel a wave of uncertainty come crashing over you. We should strive to let men know that these are normal feelings to experience, and that it’s okay to talk about them. What’s not okay is to suffer in suffocating silence – and that’s why it’s critical that we, as a society, begin normalizing our conversations relating to men’s mental health just as so many high-profile men are doing by bravely ‘going public’ and sharing their stories about depression and taking control of their health. We must join as a society, and begin changing the toxic ideas of masculinity that prevent openness and vulnerability in men.
What can cause depression in men?
While depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., current research suggests that while any man can suffer from depression, there are some risk factors that can make a man more vulnerable such as :
- Genetic factors: men with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop it than those whose family members do not have the illness.
- Environmental, psychological, and social stresses: financial problems, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, major life changes, work problems, loneliness, lack of support, inability to effectively deal with stress, early childhood trauma, or aging in isolation with few social outlets.
- Illness: depression can occur with other serious medical illnesses as well as life-altering injuries.
What can be done to improve men’s mental health?
According to Psychology Today, men’s mental health should be recognized as a “social issue” as much as a health issue, with attention paid to issues such as unemployment and familial disruption. Secondly, there should be more choices in the formal mental health system, with more male-tailored options that respond to men’s unique needs. And Thirdly, health departments at the various levels of government should create specific strategies to improve men’s mental health, with goals based on recent research.
The bottom line is that when it comes to addressing men’s mental health, we must wake up in the understanding that depression is not a sign of emotional weakness or failing masculinity, but is a mental health condition that millions of men contend with every year, and is no different than if one were to develop diabetes or high blood pressure. But as with other diseases, if left untreated, depression can cause problems in all aspects of life, including health, career, relationships and personal safety. So please, don’t try to “tough out” male depression on your own, for you may be taking an unnecessary risk, one that could possibly lead to a devastating outcome. And lastly but most importantly: Remember, you are not alone.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-8255 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1(800) 662-4357 Also known as, the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders.
