We live in a society where men and boys are shamed for crying, where showing emotion is treated as a sign of weakness, and where boys and men are often not taught the social skills needed to have close friendships and strong social networks. This has left many men unwilling or unable to reach out for help when they face mental health struggles. At The Pavilion, in Williamsburg, Virginia, we think it’s important for boys and men to hear that they are allowed to admit to having mental health struggles and seek the help they need and deserve to recover.
Barriers to Men Receiving Mental Health Support
There is a general stigma around mental health, but it’s particularly strong for men, as mentioned above. There are also other barriers that get in the way of men receiving support for their mental well-being:
- Promotion of substances as a coping skill. Men are often encouraged to drown their sorrows in alcohol or other drugs, and having a high tolerance is often seen as manly. Not only does this practice not address stress or trauma, but it can become a trigger for mental health disorders and increase the likelihood of a man developing suicidal thoughts and acting on them.
- Demands to provide. Men are sometimes reduced to nothing more than their ability to provide financially. This can put pressure on men to be at work no matter what. Taking time off to attend therapy, see a doctor for mental health medications, or even enjoy some time to destress may be viewed as a man taking away from his family, rather than strengthening himself, so that he can better meet their own and his own needs.
- Unrecognized mental health symptoms. After being trained for years on end to ignore and suppress their own emotions, it is not at all surprising when a man can’t recognize his own mental health symptoms for what they are. Men also exhibit mental health symptoms in ways that can be different from women, which may result in underdiagnosis of some of the most common mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, even when a man does try to get help.
- Isolation. As mentioned previously, men and boys are often not socialized in the same ways as women and girls. As a result, they often don’t have the social skills to build strong social networks and friendships that their female counterparts typically lean on to navigate difficulties. When a man is widowed, divorced, or just single, he may not have much of a village. This can leave him vulnerable to loneliness, isolation, and without the benefit of friends to encourage him to seek out therapy.
Statistics About Men’s Mental Illness
Men are not impervious to mental illness. They are only human, and it is human nature to struggle sometimes.
- One in ten patients with bulimia or anorexia is male.
- 6 million American men experience depression every year.
- More than 3 million men in America have a phobia.
- Bipolar disorder is just as common in men as in women.
- 90 percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia before the age of 30 are male.
The Results of Untreated Mental Illness in Men
Unfortunately, mental illness is not something that goes away if you ignore it. Usually, it gets worse when it is left untreated. Although women are far more likely to be diagnosed with depression, men are four times more likely to die by suicide. Older, white men are especially likely to complete suicide. Not only are men less likely to get treatment, but they are also more likely to possess firearms and utilize them as a means to kill themselves. Women make more attempts on their own lives, but are more likely to utilize a less lethal method, such as overdose, which can be reversed if a victim is quickly given medical care. The same cannot usually be said for someone who uses a gun to try to end their own life.
Mental Health Management Techniques Available to Men
The best way a man can manage his mental health is to seek out professional support. This may result in medication or therapy being recommended to help address chemical deficiencies in his brain, build coping skills, develop his stress management techniques, and help him find new ways to think about and resolve problems. Some ways to reach out for help include:
- Talking to your primary care doctor and asking them to rule out medical causes for symptoms and potentially make a referral for mental health treatment.
- Reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. A trained crisis counselor will listen to what’s happening and help you make a plan to stay safe until you can get treatment.
- Visit treatment.gov to use their search tool to locate mental health providers in your area.
Additionally, men can utilize the techniques below to enhance the results of therapy and medication:
- Avoid alcohol and other substances that can make mental health symptoms worse.
- Develop structures and routines in your life
- Prioritize a healthy sleep schedule
- Exercise and spend time outside
- Eat a healthy, properly balanced diet
At The Pavilion, we offer individualized care that takes into consideration the unique needs of each patient we serve. This includes recognizing how their gender may impact their mental health and available supports.
