We need to talk about men's mental health now more than ever before. We're all on an emotional roller coaster right now because the world is facing such unprecedented difficulties and upheaval. We can't ignore mental health issues because we're afraid to talk about them. First and foremost, we need to understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of or hide.

People with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and other ailments of the mind deserve to have their issues addressed openly and honestly. In this article, we have provided information about the importance of men's mental health and what steps you can take to improve it. Let's get started.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the inter-linked combination of psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It impacts our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also has an impact on how we cope with stress, connect with others, and make decisions. 

Your thinking, mood, and behavior may change over time if you suffer from mental health issues.

Also read: Mental Illness in Men

Factors Causing Men's Mental Health Issues

The major factor which leads to the development of mental health issues in men are:

1. Sexism: Men who adhere to traditional masculine norms may be more susceptible to mental illness.
2. Trauma: Extreme emotional events, such as sexual abuse, combat, or regular exposure to high-stress situations, could fall under the category of trauma. As an example, 65% of men who are raped will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder can be exacerbated by exposure to violent events or war.
3. High workload or poor working conditions: Mental health issues in men have been linked to a lack of social support and stress at work.
4. Traditional gender roles: This can include societal norms that discourage men from expressing their emotions or the pressure to be a provider.
5. Family issues and childhood abuse: Childhood trauma can increase a person's risk of developing mental health issues later in life.
6. Work loss: Men who are unemployed or retired are more likely to suffer from depression. An estimated one-seventh of all men who lose their jobs experience depression as a result of their situation.
7. Divorce and separation: As a general rule, men tend to view themselves as the primary breadwinners of the household and the ones who keep everyone happy. Divorced men are more likely to suffer from depression, and their symptoms are more severe.
8. Financial issues: Some mental health disorders may be linked to economic stressors that many people face on an everyday basis.
9. Substance abuse: 'Self-medication' with drugs or alcohol may be more common among men, but this can actually make things worse in the long run.

Also read: Ways to Take Care of Mental Health

Why Should We Talk about Men's Mental Health?

Men's mental health issues are rooted in traditional gender roles. These roles, dictated to men from an early age, and social expectations to live up to these roles are the root cause of many mental problems men face.

These gender roles expect men to be the breadwinners in the family, not express their emotions openly, be self-reliant and not seek any help from others. More than all else, men are expected to always seem in control and display traits such as strength which is traditionally considered to be "masculine."

Trying to hold on to such traditional beliefs has a negative impact on men's mental health. It also holds them back from seeking help, asking for support, and being vulnerable.

Not only have we seen the gap between men's and women's life expectancy increase in the past few years, but men are also more likely to die from diseases of despair. Men die at younger ages and at higher rates than women, while most of these premature deaths are preventable.

Society as a whole fails to address issues regarding men's mental health. Nothing will change if we can't bring ourselves to sit down and stir conversation on the problem. Open communication can lead to potential solutions and ideas emerging out of the masses. It can also empower men to be open and participate actively in their own care.

Results of raising awareness could lead to help and care that may lengthen, improve and save the lives of men.

Also read: Uplifting Men's Mental Health

It is obvious how men are far less likely to seek treatment than women. Problems like depression, substance abuse, and others are due to social norms and reluctance in men to talk about them. Downplaying their symptoms and neglecting the underlying causes to appear strong is almost a trend unspoken of among men. Sadly, being vulnerable, seeking help, and moving past your problems in a healthy way is considered weak for men. Therefore it is important to change this mindset and live a positive life. Once men start talking about their mental health issues, a lot of problems can be tackled, and men can easily boost their mental strength.

Men in our lives should not be forced to suffer in silence. Have a talk with them to see how things are going. For those who have recently experienced an event that could cause depression, ask them how they're feeling. You should keep an eye out for behavioral shifts and signs of depression in him. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from depression, lend your ear, show patience, and offer your support. Make sure he sees his doctor or another mental health professional, and you can also assist him in finding local treatment options. Let him know he's not the only one who suffers from depression because it can be overwhelming and isolating.

Conclusion

Some of the earliest signs and symptoms of mental health conditions include irritability, anger, change in mood, energy levels, appetite, sleep patterns, and difficulty in focusing. Sadly, most of these are shrugged away and regarded as 'masculine' traits that men usually possess. Therefore, you must start changing the mindset and talking about men's mental health to avoid further complications.

Also read: Safeguarding Men's Mental Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are some of the mental health issues common in men?

A. Some of the common mental health issues that are commonly diagnosed in men are:

• Social anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 
• Phobias

Q. What are the warning signs of mental illness?

A. The signs and symptoms of mental illness are:

• Excessive worrying
• Fear
• Confusion
• Extreme mood shift