Why Do We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health?

Mental health is an important issue for everyone, regardless of gender. Too often, men end up suffering in silence because of the stigma around the mental health challenges they face. The societal expectations from men end up making the gender feel weak for their feelings and expressing themselves. 

For men, there's an added layer of complexity when it comes to dealing with mental health disorders. Men are pictured to be strong and stoic, and this pressure to be "strong" can have a serious impact on our mental health. When we don't express what we're feeling, it can lead to pent-up frustration and anger. And over time, this can lead to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

It's important to remember that taking care of their mental health is just as important for men as it is for any other gender. Men's mental health matters on International Men's Day and every day.

The State of Men's Mental Health

You might not know this, but the state of men's mental health is pretty dire. In fact, statistics show that men are more likely to die by suicide than women. Men are over four times more likely to die by suicide than women - partly because they are more likely to use lethal methods, but also because their mental health needs are generally ignored. 

So why is this the case? Well, there are a number of reasons. For one, society tells us that men should be strong and stoic, which can lead to a lot of pressure. And when they don't feel like they can live up to these expectations, it can take a toll on their mental health. Additionally, many men tend to bottle up their emotions, which can lead to a build-up of negative feelings over time.  

They are also less likely to reach out to a therapist or psychiatrist to get help for their mental health concerns. Many men use unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse to deal with these negative feelings, instead of talking to a loved one or a friend. These coping mechanisms tend to worsen problems. This is why it's so important for men to find healthy outlets for their emotions and to talk about their feelings with someone they trust.

Another major issue when it comes to men’s mental health is that these symptoms can often be hidden. For instance, in many men, negative emotions often manifest as anger and irritability. There might be a number of reasons for this - like not feeling safe to express their negative emotions in a healthy manner, feeling like expressing emotions is a threat to their sense of masculinity, and so on. Another instance can be a loss in libido or erectile dysfunction - which is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse. Stress and anxiety can cause an increase in epinephrine in the body, which can cause erectile dysfunction. 

If you identify as a man and are reading this, we hope you'll take some time to reflect on your own mental health and see if there's anything you can do to improve it. We all deserve to be happy and healthy.

Symptoms of Depression in Men

You might be feeling like you're struggling more than usual lately. Maybe you're finding it hard to concentrate at work or you're just not enjoying the things you used to. You might be snapping at your partner or kids more often, or maybe you're just feeling really down and low all the time. If this sounds like you, it's possible that you could be experiencing symptoms of depression.

It's important to remember that depression looks different for everyone, so you might not experience all of these symptoms. But if you are experiencing more than three of them, it might be worth considering seeking help from a mental health professional.

Symptoms of depression in men can include:

• Feeling restless or irritable all the time

• Feeling like nothing matters or is worth doing

• Working all the time without taking breaks

• Drinking alcohol or using drugs to cope with how you're feeling

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Losing interest in sex

• Feeling like your life is a failure

Symptoms of Stress in Men

Symptoms of stress in men can manifest differently than in women, as the coping mechanisms in men and women are seen to be very different. While women are more likely to talk about their problems and seek professional help, men tend to bottle things up. This can lead to a whole host of issues down the road, both mental and physical.

Some common symptoms of stress in men include:

• Anger or irritation

• Aches and pains

• Headaches

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Chest pain or rapid heart rate

• Loss of libido

• Difficulty sleeping

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to reach out for help. There are a lot of resources available, and no shame in admitting that you need some assistance.

If you seek more information about the benefits of therapy and psychiatry, click here. 

Male Postpartum Depression

When you become a father, your life changes in a million ways. You're now responsible for another human being and everything you do impacts them. It's a lot of pressure and for some men, it can be overwhelming. Almost 1 in 10 fathers experience men postpartum depression—that's just as many moms who go through it.

And it's not just new dads who are at risk. Fathers can experience depression at any stage in their child's life. It might be because of the extra stress of being a parent, financial worries or feeling like you're not doing a good enough job. Whatever the reason, it's important to reach out for help if you're struggling.

There are a lot of myths about men's mental health, but the most important thing to remember is that anyone can experience mental health problems—and that includes dads. If you're feeling down, don't suffer in silence—talk to someone who can help.

Here is something you might find interesting: Is Mental Healthcare Equally Accessible to All Indians? 

How to Improve Men's Mental Health

So what can be done to improve men's mental health? Well, there are a few things.

For one, we need to start talking about mental health—and not just on International Men's Day. We need to start having these conversations every day. We need to normalize mental health discussions and de-stigmatize seeking help for men.

We also need to create more safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health. This could be in the form of support groups, communities, therapy, or even just informal get-togethers with friends.

And finally, we need to invest in more research on men's mental health. This will help us better understand the root causes of mental health issues in men and how we can better address them.

This International Men's Day, take a moment to reflect on your mental health. If you're feeling down, stressed, or anxious, reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available to help you get through tough times.

And if you're feeling good, take the opportunity to support someone who might be struggling. A kind word or gesture can go a long way.

Mental health is important for everyone, and it's especially important for men to talk about and take care of their mental health. Let's break the stigma and start the conversation today.