Common Mental Health Challenges Men Face

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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Common Mental Health Challenges Men Face

Mental health can have a tremendous effect on the general state, however, men find it difficult to discuss that they have emotional problems, and they hesitate to seek professional assistance. Masculinity norms in society such as self-sufficiency, emotionless behavior, and indifference erect a wall that does not allow men to deal with mental conditions until they develop into severe issues. Having an awareness of the common mental health problems that men have and the realization that they can be treated and the treatment works can make the man become aware to be in control of their emotional state and can seek treatment easily.

Depression and Anxiety

In males, depression is a problem that affects millions of people, but in most cases, it is manifested in different ways. Women can be more expressive with their sadness whereas men often feel depressed in form of being irritated, angry, tired, or disinterested in what they used to love doing. Men can be unwilling to accept that depression is a mental health issue, but rather be could be under the stress or other outside factors. Many men are also reported to be experiencing anxiety which comes in the form of worry over work, relationships, money or even health. Depression and anxiety when left unattended may have dire effects on relationships, work performance, and quality of life.

Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

Men have a higher problem of substance abuse, as they frequently tend to self-medicate mentally ill conditions by drinking or taking drugs. The issues of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health problems often lead men to use substances as a coping tool. This generates co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, which demand combined therapy to treat the two issues. In the case of men with co-occurring disorders who use services, extensive interventions that address underlying mental problems, as well as addiction, are most effective in achieving permanent recovery.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Male trauma victims that include military conflicts, accidents, violence and other major life occurrences are often the victims of PTSD. The condition is associated with intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness that severely interfere with normal functioning. Most men are not able to deal with trauma by themselves and they might resort to the use of substances to cope with the symptoms leading to secondary issues which demand professional intervention.

Unaddressed Stress and Burnout

Men are more prone to work-related stress and burnout, especially those who are in a high-stress occupation or occupations of high-ranking nature. The cultural issue of men being expected to handle it does not allow many to recognize that stress is overwhelming. Unmanaged stress in the long run leads to depression and anxiety, physical health issues and deterioration of relationships.

Seeking Professional Help

The importance of identifying mental health problems as a problem to be dealt with by a professional cannot be underestimated. Learning based practice-therapy, counseling, medications when necessary and structured support are effective in solving men mental health problems. Male-specific needs and the special programs, aimed at men recovery, are becoming more and more acknowledged in Men’s Mental Health Treatment in California and other places.

Development of Support and Accountability

Treatment of men is effective and focused on community, accountability, and peer support. Interventions involving group therapy, mentorship, and systematic accountability are some of the programs used to assist men in keeping up the progress and remaining in recovery. Male mental health issues and the establishment of favorable conditions under which men feel not only respected but also understood by the professional staff are necessary.

Taking Action

There is a possibility of treating mental health issues. Male-depressed, anxious, substance abusers or any other persons with mental health issues must understand that seeking professional assistance is their strength, not their weakness. This is because evidence-based treatment programs specifically tailored to men offer the tools, support, and guidance that help them to overcome the challenges and lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. There is still a chance to recover, and professional help is all that matters.