“There is hope” – Advice for those with family members or loved ones affected by addiction
Patti Roberts shared the advice on March 25, 2024, following the death of her son, Danny Roberts, then 22, in 2018 after struggling with addiction and mental health issues for eight years.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Why is that important?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, men with mental illnesses are less likely to receive mental health treatment or a diagnosis, in part because of the stigma that for men to speak up about it is seen as weakness.
So what do we know about the mental health of men in America? Let’s talk about that.
Why men don’t speak up about their mental health
According to the ADAA, stigma disproportionately affects men, who are less likely than women to openly discuss or seek help for mental health issues due to societal norms, embarrassment, and stigma from others. Men often face pressure to “man up” when speaking up about mental health issues, which is seen as a form of weakness or “unmanly.”
According to the ADAA report, a man’s mental health journey may also be influenced by factors such as culture, fatherhood, race and socioeconomic level. Nearly one in 10 men experiences depression or anxiety, but fewer than half of them receive treatment, and four times as many men than women commit suicide each year.
Major mental health issues affecting men
According to Mental Health America, there are more than 150 million men in the United States, of which 6 million are depression More than 100 people suffer from depression each year, but it often goes undiagnosed. According to the USA TODAY Mental Health Statistics Report, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States.
Research has shown that low testosterone levels, especially in older men, are correlated with depression, stress, and mood swings. Many depressed men overlook fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in work and hobbies as signs of depression.
More than 19 million Americans anxietyMental Health America reports that more than 3 million men suffer from panic attacks, agoraphobia, and other phobias.
Age at onset Bipolar disorder For men, the age range is 16 to 25. More than 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, with an equal number of men and women.
And 90% of Americans schizophrenia More than 1 million men develop dementia by age 30. It is one of the leading causes of disability, with approximately 3.5 million Americans diagnosed with dementia.
Furthermore, 10% of people anorexia or Bulimia 35% of men Binge–eat hindranceHowever, men are less likely than women to seek professional help.
What are some signs of mental illness in men?
Men and women experience the same mental health issues, but men often hide them with unhealthy coping behaviors. According to the ADAA, warning signs and symptoms that suggest a man may be suffering include:
- Escapist behaviors, such as spending a lot of time at work or playing sports
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, and pain
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Controlling, violent or abusive behavior
- Anger, irritability, aggression, inappropriate anger
- Dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy levels, and appetite
- Poor concentration, restlessness, or irritability
There are many different ways to treat mental illnesses and they can be harmful if left untreated. If you or someone you know is suffering, be sure to contact a doctor or mental health professional to receive help and treatment.
Need help? If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help immediately. You can call 911 or call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
