DiversityNursing Blog

Mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, yet many men face challenges in acknowledging and addressing their mental health needs. Societal expectations and traditional notions of masculinity often deter men from seeking help, resulting in untreated mental health issues.

It is crucial to actively advocate for breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and encourage open, sincere dialogues. This blog seeks to illuminate the significance of mental health for men and offer practical steps to cultivate a supportive environment. 

The Stigma Surrounding Men's Mental Health

Throughout history, there has been an expectation for men to embody strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. These cultural norms can pose challenges for men in acknowledging vulnerability or seeking help for mental health issues. The stigma surrounding mental health is often fueled by myths such as:

• "Men don't cry": Emotional expression is often seen as a sign of weakness in men.

• "Real men are tough": Asking for help is wrongly perceived as a lack of toughness or resilience.

• "Mental health issues are not real problems": There is a misconception mental health problems are not as significant as physical health issues.
  
  

These beliefs can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek support, exacerbating mental health problems.

The Impact of Untreated Mental Health Issues

Untreated mental health issues can have severe consequences for men, affecting all areas of life, including:

• Physical Health: Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, and weakened immune function.
• Relationships: Mental health struggles can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Career: Poor mental health can affect job performance, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity.
• Overall Quality of Life: Mental health issues can diminish overall life satisfaction and increase the risk of substance abuse and suicidal behavior.

Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues

Awareness is the first step towards addressing mental health. It's essential to recognize the signs that might indicate a mental health issue, such as:

• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches without a clear cause
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Breaking the Stigma: Steps Toward Change

• Open Conversations: Encourage men to talk about their feelings and experiences without judgment. Normalize discussions about mental health in everyday conversations.

• Education and Awareness: Provide accurate information about mental health issues and their impact. Dispel myths and misconceptions through educational programs and campaigns.

• Promote Positive Masculinity: Redefine masculinity to include emotional expression, vulnerability, and seeking help as signs of strength and resilience.

• Support Systems: Create supportive environments at home, work, and within the community where men feel safe to express their mental health concerns.

• Accessible Resources: Ensure mental health resources and services are readily available and accessible to all men. This includes hotlines, counseling services, and support groups.

• Role Models: Highlight stories of men who have successfully addressed their mental health issues. Public figures and community leaders can play a significant role in changing perceptions.

Taking Action: How Men Can Improve Their Mental Health

• Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with mental health issues, consider talking to a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, and medication can be highly effective.

• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with friends and family who offer emotional support. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network when needed.

• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and mindfulness practices.

• Express Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic.

• Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health and the factors that affect it. Understanding your mental health can empower you to take proactive steps toward improvement.

It is essential to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health to create a healthier, more supportive society. By challenging outdated ideas of masculinity and encouraging open, sincere conversations about mental health, we can help men feel more at ease seeking the assistance they need. Remember, mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and taking care of it demonstrates strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to seek support—because every man deserves a fulfilling, healthy life.

Men's Health Month is an important observance aimed at raising awareness about the health issues affecting men and encouraging them to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Below are general statistics and facts related to men's health. 

Life Expectancy: On average, men have a shorter life expectancy compared to women. In the United States, the life expectancy for men is around 73 years, compared with women’s, which is about 79, according to CDC data.

Leading Causes of Death: The leading causes of death among men vary by age group. However, the common causes include heart disease, cancer (particularly lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer), accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It typically affects older men, with the risk increasing with age. Regular screening and early detection are crucial for improving outcomes.

Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men, usually between the ages of 15 and 35. Early detection and treatment have high success rates. Men are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations to check for any unusual lumps or changes.

Mental Health: Men often face unique challenges regarding mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are higher among men. However, societal stigmas and reluctance to seek help often prevent men from seeking support and treatment.

Heart Disease: Heart disease is a significant concern for men. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and family history. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk.

Obesity and Physical Activity: Obesity rates among men are a growing concern. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet can reduce the risk of numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking remains a major health risk for men. It increases the likelihood of developing various cancers, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and other health problems. Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco use is crucial for better overall health.

Sexual Health: Men's sexual health encompasses various aspects, including erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive health. Regular check-ups, safe practices, and open communication with healthcare providers are essential.

Access to Healthcare: Men often face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as a reluctance to seek medical attention, lack of awareness, and limited preventive care. Regular check-ups, health screenings, and early interventions can significantly improve health outcomes.

These statistics and facts can change over time so it's best to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information regarding your health.

This week is Men’s Health Week and this article serves as a reminder about the importance of men paying attention to their health. As a Nurse, you are in the perfect position to remind your male and female patients to take care of themselves, exercise, eat healthy, listen to their bodies and get help if they notice any persistent changes.

Men’s Health Week is being recognized across the U.S. during the week leading up to and including Father’s Day (June 13-19). And while I have said it before, it bears repeating, this is not just a men’s issue — we all need to be aware and support our men’s (young to old) good health and prevention of health problems. To that end, I am sharing key information in three parts to help spotlight Men’s Health. There are many medical and social factors that impact the physical, social, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing of all our men and boys.

Studies show that culturally women surpass men in asking for help with their health and too, our boys and men have been raised in a culture “to be emotionally restrained, keeping things close to the vest, being in control, independent, competitive and to endure pain.” Research shows that many men only seek medical counsel when under duress from a family member or when their condition has deteriorated to a severe state. This in itself is an issue but add to this, these staggering statistics:

• Men die at much higher rates from the most common forms of cancers that affect both sexes
• Experts agree there is a focus on women’s health with multiple commissions – but the same lags for men with substantial amount of health disparities in men/boy’s health research

The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among our men and boys. This Part 2 (of 3) spotlights some additional key concerns while underscoring that having an awareness of preventable health problems along with early detection and treatment of chronic illnesses are imperative to improving men’s health. (Part 1 is here.)

Dr. Nina’s What You Need to Know: About Men’s Health Part 2

Depression While depression in men is common, they often times do not gain the relief needed as they believe they have to be strong and in control of their emotions at all times. And mental health can also affect our physical health; depression can increase the risk for heart disease and other serious medical problems.

Research shows, too, that when feeling hopeless, helpless, or overwhelmed by despair, men and boys tend to deny it or cover it up by physical pain, reckless behavior, anger, or drinking too much. While a key step to recovery is to understand that there’s no reason to feel ashamed – that is more convoluted for men as a result of our culture.

And unfortunately, depression in our men can be overlooked—they can find it difficult to “open up” to talk about their feelings. This can result in the underlying depression going untreated, which can have serious consequences—men suffering from depression are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. It is important for any man to seek help with depression before feelings of despair become feelings of suicide.

Depression is not a sign of emotional weakness or failing of masculinity. It is a treatable health condition that affects millions of men of all ages and backgrounds, as well as those who care about them—spouses, partners, friends, and family. If you (or someone you know) is dealing with depression – talk honestly with a friend, loved one, or doctor about what’s going on in your mind as well as your body. Once correctly diagnosed, there is plenty you can do to successfully treat and manage depression.

Connecting and Isolation: I am currently reading a book by therapist, psychiatrist Dr. Rob Garfield (2015), titled: “Breaking the Male Code: Unlocking the Power of Friendship” about the “connecting” breakthroughs and valuable benefits from men that had personally felt disconnected – and an insightful introspect of what, as a culture, we reinforce in our men “boy code” – “guy code.”

Research shows men may have as many friendships as women have but the quality is often very different. If a guy has a good friend, he may see them once every 3 to 5 years. Social relationships and connection for men are equally vital to men’s wellbeing, as to women’s. Loneliness can send both men and women down a path toward bad health, and even more intense loneliness, studies have shown. We want to encourage healthy connections and examine our views and related behaviors on “guy codes.”

Decrease alcohol use According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are more likely than women to drink excessively: 58% report drinking alcohol in the last 30 days and 23% report binge drinking 5 times a month (equates to 8 drinks). In addition to the numerous illnesses that chronic heavy alcohol use increases the risk for—liver disease, heart problems, dementia, cancer—being intoxicated has also been shown to elevate the risk for aggression, accidents, injuries, and deaths.

The Federal Dietary Guidelines on Alcohol Consumption state the following regarding drinking in moderation: For men 65 years of age and younger, no more than two drinks per day and for men who are older than 65 years, no more than one drink a day. They even recommend that some should not drink alcoholic beverages at all including those who cannot restrict their drinking to moderate levels; plan to drive or operate machinery; are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that can interact with alcohol; have certain medical conditions; and are recovering from alcoholism.

According to a statement from an editor of American Journal of Men’s Health, “facts are that men put their health last and it has been researched to find that most men’s thinking is, if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re healthy.” From infancy to old age, women are simply healthier than men. Out of the 15 leading causes of death, men lead women in all of them except Alzheimer’s disease, which many men don’t live long enough to develop.

Our men deserve better – their health needs all our attention, on every front — at home; in our communities; and the national level (as we advance more research as well as commission additional understandings to break through the health gap). Let’s rally to help make a difference!!