June is Men’s Health Awareness Month – a call to create awareness about men’s specific health issues, from physical and emotional to mental health awareness. The focus of this article is on men’s mental-health – what to look out for when someone is struggling and information on when and how to seek help.
Men’s Health Month was created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. It is also an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and go for check-ups, which men are typically more negligent about than women.
Let’s start with the hard facts.
According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, in 2022, men in America died by suicide 3.85 times more than women. In South Africa, the rate is even higher, with figures reporting that of the 13774 suicides in SA, 10861 were men. SA is currently ranked 10th on the list of countries with the most suicides with men being 5 times more likely to die from suicide. In many cases, the stigma around men’s mental health prevents men from seeking help – this according to the South Africa Society of Psychiatrics.
However, even when men do speak up about struggling with mental health, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that they are less likely than women to receive proper mental health treatment or a diagnosis and this can be due to stigma around perceived “weakness”. Understanding the unique challenges that men face is the first step in addressing this silent crisis.
Common Mental Health Issues in Men
- Depression:
Men with depression may feel irritable, angry or lose interest in work, family or hobbies. They might also have difficulty sleeping and experience changes in appetite. - Anxiety Disorders:
Men with anxiety may experience constant worry, tension or fear, which can interfere with daily activities and relationships. - Substance Abuse:
Men are more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their mental health issues, which can lead to addiction and further exacerbate their problems.
Signs Someone Might Be Struggling
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- A lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Increased irritability, anger or frustration over minor issues
- Frequent headaches, digestive issues or unexplained aches and pains can sometimes be linked to mental health struggles
- Increased reliance on alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress or emotional pain
When to Seek Help
Knowing when to seek help is crucial. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms of mental health issues that interfere with daily life, it’s time to reach out for professional support. If feelings of sadness or anxiety last for more than two weeks, it’s important to consult a mental health professional. Difficulty performing daily tasks at work, home or in social settings is a clear sign that help is needed. Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide should be addressed immediately.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or have any mental health concerns, contact your GP who can refer you to a psychologist. Read: “Five Things Your Psychologist Wants You To Know” here.
The South African Depression & Anxiety Groupe (SADAG.org) has a suicide hotline and a call centre line for all mental health matters. There is help available – no one should struggle alone.