Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all part of our mental health. They influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Moreover, they impact how we respond to stress, interact with people, and make good decisions.
Men and mental health
Regrettably, anxiety and sadness in adolescents and men are frequently disregarded. Presently, society appears to think that only women suffer from mental problems. But that's not accurate. Men have identical challenges, and it is intolerable that their concerns are consistently disregarded. Although mental health issues are quite prevalent, there is still stigma associated with them that makes it hard for men to discuss. Men are influenced by stereotypes to repress their feelings in order to appear 'manly' and 'powerful'.
In adulthood, depression and anxiety are much more common in women than in men, although drug use disorders and antisocial conduct are more common in males. Due to genetic and biological reasons, women also tend to experience depression and anxiety disorders more frequently.
Men are less likely than women to talk about or get assistance for their mental health issues, which is partly due to societal expectations and established gender roles. We are aware that women might suffer harm as a result of gender preconceptions about how they should act or seem. Men are socialised from an early age to believe that showing emotion goes against the grain of being a man. They risk losing their reputation as a stoic, tough person. Men are specifically persuaded that sobbing in public will undermine their masculinity. The same is true of mental health.
High-risk behaviours, such as drug abuse, gambling, and other types of addiction, can result from untreated mental health disorders. A man's capacity to actively participate in society and his family can be severely hindered by unresolved emotional issues, which can also result in suicide thoughts and attempts. Physical and mental well-being go hand in hand. Normalizing the discussion of mental health gives people the confidence to speak up and receive the assistance they require.
What can we do?
We shouldn't advise men to 'man up' to encourage them to communicate about their mental health since doing so will be counterproductive. Encourage them to see their vulnerability as a strength, don't use coercive methods to force them to open, and help them on the road to recovery. It's crucial to walk a fine line between assigning blame and guilt and adopting a compassionate attitude. Men can experience severe feelings of inadequacy, rejection, poor self-esteem, and even self-hatred. It is best not to push guys to open up if they are not ready.
Mood and mental health are significant factors in all facets of women's life. Relationships, self-esteem, productivity at work, and even physical health may be impacted. According to research, there may be a link between some mental health illnesses and physical conditions including heart disease and digestive problems. Males have a variety of mental health issues. They include hostility, risk-taking, greater lack of control, impatience, and abrupt fury. In addition, men may be more inclined to utilise drugs and alcohol than talk about their sadness. They may also engage in escapist behaviour, such as devoting all their attention to their work.
Males typically don't discuss their emotional issues, such as feeling depressed, unworthy, or hopeless, in public. Instead, aggression and violence are common indications of male mental health disorders. Mental disorders are frequently not treated as seriously as physical ailments, maybe because they are simply less tangible. Contrary to what is commonly believed, mental disorders are real diseases that require the same level of seriousness in treatment as physical illnesses like cancer or heart disease. Unfortunately, because males are much less likely than women to seek mental health therapy, their mental health frequently remains untreated. The major causes of death for males are suicide and depression.