Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Men’s mental health awareness month is celebrated in June and November to raise awareness about the key aspects related to mental health and its impact on social, personal and professional lives. This movement focuses heavily on depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions and suicide prevention for men worldwide. It also highlights on the prevention techniques which includes professional help, connecting to support groups and reaching out to other online platforms for a positive and healthy well-being.

According to research, depression in men is one of the causes that results in self-harm behaviour (Rochlen et al., 2003) with a lack of understanding of the signs of depression and support system.

Male depression

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect men and women differently. Understanding how the symptoms differ is important in the diagnosis and intervention process.

Due to the difference in symptoms, societal norms and expected gender roles, men are less likely to talk and seek professional help as compared to women, resulting in undiagnosed depression.

If you are less aware about the condition it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms.

Below is a list of symptoms to look out for:

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
• Feeling anxious
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Substance use/ abuse
• Feeling sad, lonely, worthless
• Mood swings
• Violent or abusive behaviour
• Suicidal ideation or attempts
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Controlling, violent or abusive behaviour

Men’s mental health

According to research in the United States, 80% of male deaths were suicide in 2019. Their reluctance to seek professional often acts as a risk factor leading to the higher male suicide rate.

Due to social stigma, expectations and lack of tailored resources, men find it challenging to identify the disturbing thoughts, address or discuss their emotions and feelings or seek help for their mental health concerns. Yet, mental health issues affect men at an increasing rate and have profound impact on their lives, relationships and productivity. Effective help seeking at the appropriate time can prevent anxiety and depressive symptoms from escalating and act as suicide prevention mechanisms.

Discussion on emotional concerns or issues should not be interpretated as a sign of weakness and more conversations revolving around difficulties and challenges should be appreciated and encouraged.

In order to provide men with trustworthy environment, many support groups and online mental health platforms are introduced to help them cope with challenges in a better way.

Men’s mental health support 

Since men are less likely to share their emotional state and seek professional help, a support group specifically dealing with men’s mental health is helpful. Searching for a support group nearby and discussing or sharing about the problems is always a better option rather than suffering in silence. There are many support groups which provides a safe platform and help men with the proper guidance to deal with concerns or issues.

One of the platforms is CALM which offers mental health programs and tools for better understanding and growth of mental wellbeing. Mental Health America offers a space for discussions on issues like depression, grief, loneliness and suicidal ideation. MensGroup is a support group which focuses on relationship issues, communication barriers and emotional dysregulation.

Men’s mental health online

Online mental health platform provides an opportunity for men to seek for professional help. It has become an accessible, convenient and safe space for men who are hesitant and skeptical towards mental health care.

Man Therapy offers mental health resources which helps men to recognize symptoms and produce tools and techniques to address the mental health issues. HeadsUpGuys is a resource that supports men in their battle against depression, they advise and impart information on a variety of men’s health topics including physical health, mental health and sexual health. 7 cups provide online therapy and emotional well-being services primarily focusing on anxiety, depression and other issues.

Men’s mental health near me

A convenient way to access mental health care is by searching men’s mental health care near me. You will receive a number of options and the opportunity to choose a platform and a therapist as per your convenience. Willingness to get better and seek help are the significant steps towards a positive and healthy well-being. If you exhibit any one of the above-mentioned symptoms of depression or looking for a safe and confidential platform to share your feelings and concerns, the best option is always to ask for help and support from the professional experts in the field.

With all the thoughts, feelings and emotions, you are more likely to feel confused and directionless but seeking for guidance and help at the right time will definitely support you tolive a life with a sense of purpose and meaning. Openly discussing the concerns with your support groups or your mental health professional will help you to cope with the challenges and overcome them. Therefore, choose a support group or book a session with a mental health professional to stay connected for growth, awareness and positivity.