Why Men's Mental Health Matters as Much as Women's
Key Takeaways
Mental health issues are common, affecting 1 in 5 American adults, and 1 in 10 men.
Mental health conditions can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, biology, psychology, and environment.
Neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain are linked to some mental illnesses, such as depression.
It's important to address mental health concerns just like physical health issues.
Call 988 if you're at risk of suicide.
Your Mental Health Matters
When you feel sick, you go to the doctor. And when you break your arm, you go to the hospital. It's the obvious solution when your body is in pain or in trouble, but what do you do when your mind is?
Mental health is extremely prevalent in today's world and can manifest in the form of depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more.
In 2021, one in five American adults reported living with a mental illness - whether it be mild or severe. That means at least 57 million people in the U.S. struggle with their mental health, and that number is likely only going to grow.
While women are more likely to speak up or be diagnosed with a mental illness, it might not be the same for men.
So, what can we do about it?
What Causes Mental Illness?
While there's not just one factor that can cause a decline in mental health, it can be concluded that at least one or a combination of genetics, biology, psychology, and your environment can have an impact.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), neurological disorders can be defined by lesions in the brain, whereas mental illnesses are shown to be disorders within the circuits of the brain.
Your brain is a complex network of interconnected cells called neurons. These neurons work together in circuits to process information. They communicate by sending signals to each other, using either electrical impulses or chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters.
Some brain disorders, like depression, are linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers, including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and glutamate, play a crucial role in brain function.
When their levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt communication between brain cells, potentially leading to symptoms of a mental illness.
Any Vs. Serious Mental Illness
While any kind of mental illness can be a cause for concern, there are two different categories: any mental illness (AMI) and serious mental illness (SMI).
Any mental illness can refer to a mental, emotional, or behavorial disorder. People who suffer from AMI may be mildly or moderately affected by their mental illness, but they can still typically function normally day-to-day.
On the otherhand, a serious mental illness is what it sounds like. It can be more severe than AMI and typically affects the person on a daily basis, interfering with and impairing their life.
Men's Mental Health vs Women's Mental Health
One of the easiest ways to help bring the importance of mental health to the forefront is by talking about it. Even just 5-10 years ago, there was a stigma behind mental illness, so no one wanted to talk about it.
Before, a person suffering from a mental illness may have feel embarrased or ashamed to seek out help, but nowadays it's much more accepted. However, many people may still feel alone in their struggles.
Men especially may feel the impact of this stigma. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, one in 10 men suffer from depression or anxiety, but less than half will seek out treatment or be diagnosed. Additionally, over four times as many men than women die by suicide annually.
In 2010, over 38,000 Americans died by suicide, and 79% of them were men. Just a year later in 2011, suicide accounted for over 2% of male deaths.
On the contrary, one in five American women suffered from a mental illness in the past year. Also, more women than men are affected by depression or bipolar disorder.
While Men Mental Health Awareness Month is in June, May is also a time to reflect on the importance of mental health for everyone.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and is the perfect time to help raise awareness. Whether you, your sibling, your best friend, your co-worker, your neighbor, or anyone else in your life is suffering, it's important to remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Sometimes taking care of your mental health can mean writing in your journal or going to the gym, but other times it require professional help.
Here are some telltale signs you or someone you know should seek mental health help, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
Pay Attention to Feelings
When it comes to physical health, it can be pretty obvious when something is wrong. However, it may not be as straightforward when it comes to mental health.
If you find yourself feeling worried, sad, angry, irritated, tired, or low on energy for an extended period of time - typically two or more weeks - it might be time to seek out a mental health professional.
Troubling Thoughts
Feelings are one thing, but having troubling thoughts is another. These troubling thoughts can include a focus on drugs or alcohol, a focus on just thing in particular - such as your appearance, having a difficult time focusing, or thoughts as serious as suicide.
If you or someone you know if having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Physical Changes
Mental illnesses don't only take a toll on your mind, but they can affect you physically too. You may notice changes in your body if your mental health is suffering, such as headaches, stomachaches, changes in sleep habits, changes in eating habits, or an increased use of drugs or alcohol.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), depression can raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This can also be true when roles are reversed; chronic physical conditions can lead to an increased risk of mental illness.
Behavioral Changes
No one knows you better than yourself, so if you're acting differently, it can feel obvious. Changes such as not showering, skipping appointments, not cleaning, and more can be telltale signs that something is wrong.
You might also find yourself losing friendships, struggling at work, getting into legal trouble, or having other issues arise because of these behavioral changes.
Becoming Anti-Social
Whether or not you're a social butterfly, there are still likely people you talk to on a daily or weekly basis that would notice if you weren't answering your phone or meeting up for Saturday brunch.
Having trouble connecting with or avoiding the people in your life can be a sign it's time to get help.
How to Get Mental Health Help
If you're in need a help right now, you can head to your nearest emergency room or call the Suicide Hotline number at 988.
Otherwise, there are other resources for mental health professionals like therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers that can offer support.
Here are some other ways you can find mental health help:
Visit your primary care physician, and they can perform a mental health screening before referring you to a professional.
Look at your insurance to see what professionals may be covered under your plan.
Locate mental health professionals through these organizations.
Look up mental health services on your local health services department website.
Ask your employer if they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Join online mental health services such as Talkspace or Better Help.
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
By bringing attention to mental health, you can emphasize the importance of it for both men and women. Your mental health matters, and it's time to take care of your mind just like you would your body.
Although May is Mental Health Awareness Month and June is Men Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to take care of your mind all year round.