Nurturing Mental Well-Being: A Focus on Men's Mental Health in June

June 20, 2024 | Dr. Joel L. Young

June marks Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to illuminating the often overlooked and stigmatized issues surrounding men's mental well-being. This month serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges men face, emphasizing the importance of fostering open, supportive conversations. By breaking down the barriers of silence and stigma, we can encourage men to seek help, share their stories, and prioritize their mental health with the same diligence as their physical health. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted aspects of men's mental health, from societal expectations to the significance of self-care and community support.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Men's mental health often remains in the shadows due to societal norms that discourage emotional vulnerability and seeking help. This month, we aim to highlight the specific pressures men encounter, such as the burden of traditional masculinity, workplace stress, and the impact of life transitions. Understanding these unique challenges is the first step in creating a supportive environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Diagnosis Disparity

Many professionals agree that women are more susceptible to mental illness than men are. Unfortunately, the reason behind this isn’t well known. While certain biological differences may make one demographic more vulnerable to mental health disorders than another, a concrete conclusion cannot be reached without first considering social implications.

In 2022, although women were twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of depression, men were 3.85 times more likely to commit suicide than women. This statistic is indicative of a host of unresolved problems. According to the Center for Disease Control, 24.7% of women will seek mental health treatment at some point in their lives, compared to only 13.4% of men. Many mental health support outlets are primarily targeted towards women. Due to internalized gender biases, men seeking treatment may receive a different experience than women presenting with similar problems. As such, men are often told to “tough it out” rather than seek professional help, and those who do seek the help they need are often chastised. All of these problems seem to point in one direction–men’s mental health is going grossly underreported.

Some studies indicate that the key difference in these reporting differences is the way gender roles influence the expression of and vulnerability to certain psychiatric illnesses. According to a study performed by the American Journal of Men’s Health, traditional gender roles imposed on men value traits of dominance, aggression, and assertiveness. These traits are intended to prevent men from feeling out of control and powerless. The way in which men are raised to internalize all feelings leaves them emotionally stunted and with little communication skills regarding their own problems.

What this leads to is a situation in which women are more likely to develop internalized symptoms (such as anxiety or depression), while men are more likely to develop externalized symptoms (such as substance abuse or aggression.) In addition to the already challenging circumstances men face when attempting to obtain mental health care, there is the added challenge of a differing presentation of symptoms. Considering all the factors that limit men from receiving necessary mental health care, it becomes easier to see what causes the large disparity in diagnoses between the sexes.

Breaking the Silence

One of the primary goals of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is to break the silence surrounding men's mental health issues. Open dialogue can dismantle harmful stereotypes and create a culture where men are empowered to express their emotions and seek support. Through personal stories, expert insights, and community initiatives, we strive to foster a more inclusive conversation about mental health that recognizes and respects men's experiences.

Promoting Self-Care and Support

Taking care of one's mental health is as crucial as maintaining physical health. This month, we encourage men to adopt self-care practices that promote mental well-being, such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and building strong social connections. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of seeking professional help when needed. By promoting a holistic approach to mental health, we aim to equip men with the tools and resources they need to lead fulfilling, balanced lives.

Conclusion

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just an observance; it's a call to action. It's an opportunity to challenge outdated perceptions, support one another, and create a society where every man feels valued and understood. Together, we can make a difference by acknowledging the importance of mental health and advocating for a world where men can thrive both emotionally and mentally. Join us in this essential movement to bring men's mental health to the forefront.

References

1. Griffith, D. M., By, Griffith, D. M., Ogunbiyi, A., Jaeger, E., & 2, A. (2024, April 2). Men and Mental Health: What are we missing?. AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news/men-and-mental-health-what-are-we-missing#:~:text=For%20some%20time%2C%20research%20has%20shown%20that%20mental,they%20present%20are%20not%20consistent%20with%20diagnostic%20tools

2. Terlizzi, E. P. (2020, September 23). Products - data briefs - number 380 - September 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm

3. Suicide statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024, May 30). https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

4. Men and women: Statistics. Mental Health Foundation. (2019). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/men-women-statistics#:~:text=Statistics%20about%20women%20and%20girls%27%20mental%20health&text=Today%2C%20women%20are%20three%20times,experience%20common%20mental%20health%20problems

5. Smith, D. T., Mouzon, D. M., & Elliott, M. (2018). Reviewing the Assumptions About Men's Mental Health: An Exploration of the Gender Binary. American journal of men's health, 12(1), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316630953