Men’s mental health is a serious yet often overlooked problem in the United States. Both men and women can and are affected by mental illnesses. There is a difference between men and women is the discrepancy in developing symptoms. Science has attributed that low levels of testosterone amongst older men is correlated with: depression, stress, and mood swings.
3 Facts About Men’s Mental Health
- The highest suicide rates in the U.S. can be found amongst Caucasian men over the age of 85 years old.
- Men are more likely to die by suicide than women
- Men with mental illnesses are also less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year.
5 Major Mental Health Problems Affecting Men Today:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis and Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
Check out this infographic for more information about men’s mental health: https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
Are There Any Issues with Seeking Treatment?
Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for depression, substance abuse, and stress from life events. There are three -reluctance to talk, social norms or stigmas around mental health illness, and downplaying symptoms.
Symptoms May Include:
Typically men and women will experience similar symptoms, but there have been known to be a few differences.
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Changes in mood, energy levels, or even appetites
- Sleeping issues
- Increase in feelings of stress or worry
- Suicidal thoughts
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Aches, headaches, digestive problems
- Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- And others
There was a study conducted in 2018 study by The WHO (World Health Organization) that showed a particularly strong stigmatization around mental health amongst men. That there is a cultural stigma and this negatively impacts the treatment options.
For more information about seeking help dealing with mental health or addiction health, or simply contacting our clinic to learn more or ask questions, https://embraciahealth.com/.
