Forty percent of males have never talked to someone about their mental health, according to studies.1. These numbers are alarming since they show a steady decline in men’s mental health, which is also supported by the results of the Irish Life Health of the Nation Research this year. This begs the question, “Why is this group saying nothing about this important health issue?”
In my capacity as a mental health professional and counseling psychologist, I have seen that men and women frequently experience mental health issues in different ways. Many males have a propensity to externalize emotions like rage and frustration, which might lead them to act riskily. Studies indicate that men are more likely than women to self-medicate in order to deal with stress.2. Because these behaviors are not commonly associated with mental health issues, friends and family may not be aware that a loved one may require assistance.
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On the other hand, women are more prone to exhibit some of the traditional depressive symptoms—such as sobbing, feeling down, and hopelessness—which are more overt signs of psychological discomfort. These signs let people know that the woman could require assistance from a specialist.
Men who exhibit symptoms of distress may not recognize them in others, or they may not recognize them in themselves or be reluctant to seek assistance. Frequently, people themselves are unable to recognize these indicators. Sadly, some men still adhere to gender stereotypes, thinking that talking about feelings and getting help from a professional is a show of weakness. Men suffer greatly on a personal level from these antiquated, conventional ideas.
As a society, we must get over stigma and restrictions based on gender to enable men to ask for help just like women do. One important first step in helping men seek assistance is providing family and friends with the information to recognize the early warning signs of mental health disorders and the tools to address their concerns in a sensitive way. It is also critical that everyone involved is aware of where to turn for the “appropriate” expert assistance when needed. We advise you to seek advice from your EAP if you are unsure.
We will be able to address some of the issues raised in our most recent Health of the Nation Survey 3 with the use of these measures:
- Males experiencing severe distress has increased by 8% since 2022.
- Compared to 23% of women, 32% of males would like to cut back on their reliance on substances or behaviors (alcohol, drugs, gambling, or the internet).
- 48% of men said they have received criticism for their drug or behavior addiction.
- Of the guys, 21% were unsure about where to get help.
Key takeaways to encourage friends and family to assist men’s mental health:
- Identify the early indicators that someone may not be well.
- Do not disregard these indicators.
- Make contact and express your worries.
- Provide specific instances of the things you are seeing that worry you.
- Pay close attention to them and listen to them.
- Reject anything they say to you.
- What assistance would they require from you?
- Encourage them to talk to someone else if they do not want to talk to you.
- Find someone else who is supportive.
- Being the doorkeeper to other services, having a skilled doctor is crucial.
- Ask if a friend or member of their family may go with them to the doctor.
- Track their progress over time.
- Seek out assistance for yourself.
- Seek advice and resources from the EAP on how to assist this individual.
- If you believe someone may be at risk of self-harm, you should always get in touch with medical professionals or the emergency services.
