June is Men’s Health Month, so NAMI’s blog thought it would be good to look at Men’s mental health.
One big issue for men is that many men struggle with mental health stigma and this can result in a perceived need to be or appear macho or strong, according to a Healthline article.
“I think part of it may be this macho thing,” Dr. Raymond Hobbs, a physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, told Healthline. “A lot of guys don’t want to admit they have this problem. They still see depression as a sign of weakness.”
Men die by suicide at a slightly higher rate than women, and struggle more with substance abuse, the article also notes.
According to Mental Health America, 6 million men are affected by depression every year.
The article also discusses that men may experience guilt and shame regarding asking for help, in part due the stigma surrounding mental illness. And it talks about ‘toxic masculinity’ and how that can prevent men from social relationships.
If men do not ask for help with depression or other mental health issue, they can continue to str
uggle with symptoms, which can lead to them using drugs or alcohol to cope.
For men, really, asking for help can be a sign of strength rather than weakness.
NAMI Toledo offers support groups for adults suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues, where you can talk to other people about your feelings and symptoms, if you wish. Currently, during the coronavirus pandemic, NAMI offers virtual support groups via the internet and Zoom app.
Go to NAMIToledo on Facebook for dates and times.
Read the Healthline article here > https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-can-we-reduce-mens-mental-health-stigma