It’s Men’s Health Month, the perfect time to prioritize mental health. But sadly, there is still a stigma attached to men’s mental health concerns. Here are some ways that men and those who love them can help to break the mens mental health stigma.
Learn the symptoms
Mental health disorders carry a vast array of symptoms, some of which may not be obvious. But in general, men struggling with mental health challenges often experience some of the following signs:
- Trouble participating in one or more dimensions of daily life (work, social, family)
- Anger
- Restlessness or feeling edgy
- Much more or less energy than usual
- Moodiness
- Sleep problems
- Unusually risky behaviors
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling numb
- Behaviors or thought patterns that seem out of character
- Physical pains that don’t have a definitive cause
- Suicidal thoughts
- Overindulgence in alcohol or drugs
Understand the risk factors
The risk factors behind mental health conditions are not fully understood. However, men who have certain life experiences are believed to be at higher risk. These include:
- Childhood abuse
- Employment issues such as underemployment, job loss, or low job security
- Divorce, especially those that include custody loss of children
- Loss of a spouse
- Traumatic situations such as a physical attack or going through combat
Men may also be at higher risk of developing a mental health condition during times of transition. Examples include:
- Changes in physical health or disability status
- Moving to a new geographic area
- Changing jobs
- Entering middle age
- Retirement
Learn the reasons for hesitation
Although most mental health conditions can be treated, men are often skeptical about seeking treatment. Everyone’s experiences are different, but men often face such barriers to treatment as:
- Early childhood lessons on “being a man,” including stoicism and not asking for help
- Gendered language from mental health therapists, family doctors, or other professionals, which make some men feel unwelcome
- Social pressures from friends and loved ones
- Wanting to be seen as a strong provider
Of course, men need to realize that when they struggle, so do their loved ones. If you’re a man coping with mental health challenges, one of the kindest and most loving things you can do for your family is to seek help.
Open the lines of communication
One of the best ways to break the mens mental health stigma is for men to start talking openly about their mental health journeys. This helps normalize the process and make it easier for more men and boys to reach out when they face challenges. To the extent you feel comfortable, discuss your situation with friends and relatives across genders.
Educate others
Learn as much as you can about your condition and mental health as a whole. Whenever you hear others spreading misinformation or making derogatory comments, take the opportunity to start a conversation. Be respectful and try not to sound judgmental or preachy.
Be mindful
Mental health conditions, like physical disabilities, are sometimes hurled as insults. Even more commonly, they’re used as negative descriptors of human beings. Be mindful of your own language and never define someone by their mental health status. For example, rather than saying, “a depressed person,” try “a person with depression.”
Show compassion
Many mental health conditions cause behaviors that are not socially acceptable. Demonstrate kindness and compassion for those who are struggling. Don’t tolerate abuse but try to be more understanding of those acting outside the norm.
Normalize emotions
Although it’s starting to change, many men feel that crying or expressing emotion is a sign of weakness. Turn this around by demonstrating how expressing feelings in healthy ways actually builds strength and resilience. Practice telling your loved ones how you feel from day to day and allowing yourself to experience rather than burying your feelings.
Own your life
Mental health conditions can make you feel isolated and even ashamed. But when you allow shame to control your life, you lose your personal power. Instead, make the conscious decision to own your life, even the difficult parts of it, and make it the best it can possibly be. This often means seeking help, following a treatment plan, and reaching out to friends and family members for support.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental health is slowly lessening. But there’s still a long way to go. Regardless of your gender identity and whether or not you experience mental health challenges, you can be part of the solution. Know the symptoms, normalize experiencing and discussing emotions, and encourage the men in your life to regain their personal power by choosing to seek help. With active effort on everyone’s part, we can all help prevent the mens mental health stigma from extending to future generations.