Fast Facts About Men's Mental Health
I have a love/hate relationship with every month being a month for a “cause”. I love it because it brings important topics to everyone’s attention, I hate it because they almost always cause that we should be talking about every month, not just a specific month.
June is Men’s Health Month. From my perspective - Men’s mental health needs a bit more focus, and this article will explain why.
One popular myth that I’d like to get out of the way right off the bat
Depression = Weakness.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is, there are so many factors that contribute to depression. Low levels of testosterone being one. Lower testosterone can lead to depression, stress, and mood swings. Depression has nothing to do with weakness. Societal constructs have led us to believe that men should control their emotions. They should be strong, resilient and never show any signs of weakness.
This has led to a stigma surrounding mental health, especially in men. Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues are serious health conditions and should be treated like any other health condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Depression affects over 6 million men per year, but often goes unnoticed.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression in Men
(that often go unnoticed)
Feelings of sadness or unimportance
Loss of interest in hobbies and things you once liked
Losing or gaining weight
Difficulty going to sleep or sleeping too much
Feeling tired often
Feeling worthless or hopeless
Difficulty focusing
Suicidal thoughts
Withdrawing from family and friends
Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
Physical aches, back pain, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Low libido
Feeling worried, restless, or on edge
Feeling a need for alcohol or drugs
Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, family, or other obligations
“”Stress, trauma, major life changes, the loss of a loved one, or a difficult relationship can bring on depression for men and women alike, but financial problems and work problems may affect men more than women because of the stereotypes we often associate with each gender” ”
— SingleCare
Male Celebrities
Depression and Anxiety doesn’t pick and choose. There are many, many famous men who have gone public with their mental health. Guys like Jim Carrey, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Owen Wilson, Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans, and many more have explained that they live with depression or anxiety or another form of mental illness.
It’s way more common then you’d think, and you are not alone.
Famous Male Athletes
Terry Bradshaw - had panic attacks after games and was diagnosed with clinical depression in the late 90’s. In the video below.
Earl Campbell - diagnosed with panic and anxiety disorders.
Michael Phelps, Oscar De La Hoya, Larry Sanders, just to name a few.
Where to Find Help
While you may be able to find a local counselor or therapist through your insurance provider, there are also many online counseling options that may be a better fit for you.
Better Help - Better Help offers online therapy for individuals, couples and teens.
Talkspace - Right now they have a special offer - use the code GOAL for $80 off!
Man Therapy This website is full of Men’s Mental Health Resources.