Discussing Men's Mental Health Can Prevent Tragic Losses
Middle-aged and older men face a heightened risk of suicide, making them the demographic with the highest suicide rates, according to Dr. John K. Amory, a physician at the General Internal Medicine Center at UW Medical Center - Roosevelt. Suicide is the third-most cause of death responsible for the overall life expectancy for men declining in 2021, as indicated by data.
This trend is troubling, as men are generally less likely to seek healthcare, and many opt out of routine check-ups. Dr. Amory suggests that self-sufficiency and the misconception that getting mental health care is not masculine could deter men from receiving the help they need.
Some of the common mental health issues that affect men are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, and eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Surprisingly, many men suffering from these conditions remain undiagnosed as they mask their feelings due to the stigma surrounding men and emotions.
When engaging with a loved one struggling with mental health issues, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for conversation. Subtly express your concern and offer support without being accusative. Questions like "I've noticed a change in your behavior lately, and I'm worried. How are you feeling?" could initiate a discussion.
Encouraging your loved one to seek professional help, such as a doctor or therapist, is crucial. It's possible that underlying medical conditions, like low testosterone, could cause symptoms of depression. If it's their first appointment for mental health concerns, provide support by either going with them or offering willingness to help when they need it.
If they're initially reluctant to open up, be patient. Respect their decisions and continue to offer emotional support. If someone mentions suicidal thoughts, engage in a supportive and honest conversation to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
In case of an emergency, encourage them to dial or text 988. Discussing mental health is a vulnerable act, but it can make a significant difference in someone's life—it might even help save it.
Multiple resources and initiatives, such as Mental Health America, Active Minds, and Movember, strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health discussions in men and provide valuable resources for support. Becoming aware of these initiatives and tapping into the available services can help men in their mental health journey.
- The heightened suicide rates among middle-aged and older men highlight the urgent need for increased focus on mental health in the news and science sector, particularly in the context of health-and-wellness and men's health.
- As men are less likely to seek healthcare, and the stigma surrounding men and emotions often leads to undiagnosed mental health issues, it's crucial for mental health discussions in men to be promoted by science, health-and-wellness, and mental health organizations like Mental Health America, Active Minds, and Movember.
- As suicide is the third-highest cause of death among men and a growing concern, there is a need for more awareness and understanding of common mental health issues in men such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, all of which require timely intervention from healthcare providers.
