Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of people experience depression but, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Of the more than 6 million men in the U.S. who experience depression every year, 49% felt more depressed than they admitted to the people in their lives. These men are our fathers, partners, sons, family members, colleagues and friends.

Mental well-being is equally as important as any other health issue, like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. But misconceptions that receiving therapy implies weakness, fears of social disapproval and the stigma of mental health in certain cultures prevents many men from seeking help.

It is important to notice the warning signs of depression, both in ourselves and in others. Common signs of depression can include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or negative feelings
• Talking very negatively or expressing hopelessness
• Decreased interest or pleasure in things you once found enjoyable
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Reckless behavior or substance abuse
• Irritability, aggression or irrational anger
• Withdrawing or isolating from family and friends
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering.
• Changes in sleep patterns or activities and persistent fatigue
• Thoughts of suicide or fantasizing about escaping from life

Fortunately, many men with a public platform such as actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Olympian Michael Phelps have become more outspoken about their mental health struggles. And learning that celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain and Robin Williams lost their life to suicide has created more awareness in our society.

As a community, we can end the stigma associated with mental health issues and  build a culture where men feel safe speaking up and reaching out.

Here are some practical ways we can help the men and women in our lives who may be struggling with depression or other mental health issues.

• Start a conversation: A simple conversation can change the trajectory of someone’s life. If you’re not sure where to start, follow QPR—an evidence-based suicide prevention practice:
• Question – Ask the person directly if they are contemplating suicide
• Persuade – With empathy and concern – not judgement – listen to their response and persuade them to seek help.
• Refer – Find resources that can assist them such as local emergency mental health crisis hotlines, in-patient or outpatient treatment facilities or support groups.

• Create safe spaces: Promote environments — at home, work, school, barbershop, hair salons, gym, church, or in the community — where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles without judgment.

• Encourage social connection: Invite others out for social activities, offer to exercise or participate in activities with them.

• Check In: Regularly communicate whether it’s with a phone call or a text message.

Sources:
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mens-health-month/
https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/bewell/awarenessmatters/june2024-mens-health-awareness.html
https://headsupguys.org/depression-in-men/
https://headsupguys.org/mental-health-screening-tools/depression-check/