June is Men’s Health Month:
Don’t Forget About your
Emotional Health

Every year in the month of June, Americans celebrate Men’s Health Month to promote men’s health and to heighten awareness of preventable health issues. Too often, emotional health is overlooked. In order to be truly healthy, overall wellness must be addressed. Men’s emotional health is an often-overlooked concern that deserves attention, not only in June but year-round.

This annual celebration aims to reduce the stigma that often deters men of all ages from identifying their own emotional health concerns. Males tend to be instilled with the belief that showing emotions is a weakness, so asking for help or admitting the need for help can be difficult for a lot of men. Mental Health America finds it fitting to recognize the emotional health of men by encouraging the male population to speak out and share about their emotional health struggles.

Emotional Health and Males

On average, one in every five Americans have emotional health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. While these diagnoses can affect individuals across all genders, ethnicities, and ages, some conditions are without doubt more prevalent in the male population.

It is estimated that over six million men struggle with depression, anxiety, distress, and mood swings every year. Older men, in particular, are often susceptible to these conditions due to a decline in testosterone level. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the rate of self-harming activities amongst males is nearly four times the rate of females, representing 77.9 percent resulting in fatality.

Apart from the risk of self-harm, emotional health problems can have an impact on men’s physical health. When not addressed and left untreated, these issues can have a crippling effect on a man’s ability to fully function in multiple settings and affect various life aspects, including family relationships, employment, and social connections. Without treatment, men have a higher probability of developing addiction, with data to show that male substance abuse is nearly twice as high than that of women.

Warning Signs for Men

Despite these statistics, it is significantly less likely for men to seek treatment compared to women. Men and women have different ways of confronting the same emotional health disorder. This is one of the reasons why symptoms manifest differently across genders.

For example, it is likely for some men with depression or anxiety to mask their emotions with anger or aggression, while women are more expressive by showing sadness. It is helpful to acknowledge these differences. Men can also be expected to describe their emotional health concerns with physical symptoms, such as headaches and other body pains.

Many emotional health concerns can impose the same risks to both genders, but men may be less likely to be vocal about their emotions or to signal the need for help. The societal expectations for men to portray an image of courage and strength can drive them to ignore, hide or downplay their symptoms. As a result, many men struggle with emotional health in silence because of their reluctance to seek help. It is not surprising that some turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with their emotions and symptoms on their own. Recognizing warning signs is important if you or a loved one has an emotional health disorder that requires treatment. Warning signs can include:

  • Sudden changes in mood, energy level, appetite, and weight
  • Sleep changes
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Unexplained sadness
  • Feeling of hopelessness
  • Excessive worry
  • Chronic distress
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restlessness or edginess
  • Chronic headaches or digestive issues
  • Obsessive or compulsive behavior
  • Persistent negative thoughts and emotions
  • Self-harming activities concerning self and others

Since emotional health problems are very personal, men can be reluctant to open up and talk about them with anyone, including their primary care providers. This can prevent them from receiving the help they need.

Roadblocks That Keep Men from Seeking Treatment

Despite the prevalence of emotional health problems in the male sector and the risks associated with ignoring these concerns, men find it difficult to come forward and seek help.

Typical myths that deter men from seeking emotional health services are as follows:

  • Myth #1: Men aren’t ‘supposed to’ ask for help.

This myth can make it difficult for men to reach out for help when they are experiencing intrusive symptoms or intense emotions. You may hope that symptoms will just go away on their own and will avoid speaking out when you are struggling. Everyone needs help from time to time, regardless of gender.

  • Myth #2: Men don’t go through emotional problems.

Often times there is a mistaken belief that men are supposed to be “strong and never show emotion”. This is obviously not true and an unrealistic expectation, though this belief is widely held none the less. This unhealthy belief can only worsen clinical depression or anxiety as these conditions breed feelings of weakness, insecurity, fear and vulnerability. Suppressing emotions in the pretext of masculinity is an ineffective way of addressing your health.

  • Myth #3: Spiritual faithfulness can overcome the need for therapy or medication for emotional health issues.

These issues are complex health problems caused by a variety of things, none of which are your fault. Emotional health problems affect many people, regardless of faith and spiritual belief.

Finding Hope and Healing

Admittedly, men can face a difficult challenge when it comes to emotional health issues. It does not mean you have to go through this alone. Just like any other aspect of your health, your emotional health deserves attention. Try celebrating Men’s Health Month by having an emotional health checkup.

Many can overcome barriers to find hope and healing. Your search for hope can end with counseling. Addressing your overall wellness can be daunting, but you are not alone.

Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St.) offers counseling services tailored to concerns particularly relevant to men of all ages. Your therapist will be working with you in a safe and confidential place where you can openly talk about what may be getting in your way. Recovery is possible. To schedule your first appointment, call or text today!

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