This is an opportunity to raise awareness for healthcare for men and to encourage boys, men, and their families to practice a healthy lifestyle. One way for men to practice a healthy lifestyle is taking care of their mental health and wellbeing, as men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for 78% of suicides in the United States. Below, see some factors that are worth noting to bring awareness to men's mental health.
What Factors Can Lead to Male Mental Health Issues?
A range of factors can contribute to the development of mental health issues in men, such as:
Sexism: Men who strongly conform to typical masculine norms may be more likely to have poorer mental health.
Trauma: This could include extreme emotional events such as being sexually abused, experiencing combat, or being in high stress situations regularly (e.g., firefighters or policemen). For example, 65% of men who are raped will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Witnessing a violent event or being in a war can also increase the risk of anxiety disorders like PTSD.
Poor working conditions or a high workload: Work stress and a lack of social support have been associated with a higher likelihood of mental health issues in men.
Traditional gender roles: This can include feeling pressure to be a provider or societal norms that discourage men from talking about their feelings.
Childhood abuse/family issues: Any detrimental issue that occurs in childhood can lead to an increased risk of mental health disorders in adulthood.
Loss of work: Unemployment and retirement are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. One in 7 men who lose their jobs become depressed.
Separation and divorce: Often, men tend to see themselves as being providers and the one to keep the family happy. Depression is more prevalent and more severe among divorced men.
Financial issues: Economic factors are a top cause of stress for many people and could play a role in the development of certain mental health disorders.
Substance abuse: Men may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with mental health issues, though such ‘self-medication’ can make things worse in the long run.
Mental Health Disorder in African American Men
Disparities in diagnosis and treatment continue in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color despite increased awareness and targeted programs, and African American men are no exception. The pandemic may have exacerbated these concerns.
According to SAMHSA's 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 26% of African American adults experienced a mental health and/or substance misuse concern (1). While these rates may be similar to those of the general population, disparities exist in regard to their access to high quality and culturally competent mental health care services. It is estimated that only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receive it (2).
What’s the Stigma for Men?
Since birth, men are typically taught to be strong, to become leaders and that emotions are a sign of weakness, not masculinity. It’s the idea that “real men don’t ask for help,” and as such, those who adhere to stereotypical masculine norms, may be resistant to seek therapy. There is also the notion that talking about it won’t help anyway, yet ignoring mental health disorders will not make them go away.
At the same time, research on men’s health issues is given relatively low priority. Lack of funding and attention can perpetuate the mistaken belief that “no one” cares about men’s mental health. Men also don’t want to be a burden to others—if they can fix it on their own, they will. However, not discussing these feelings with family or friends can cause social isolation, exacerbate relationship difficulties, and worsen feelings of depression.
These stigmas are particularly dangerous for men because they are less likely to seek help and more likely than women to turn to dangerous or unhealthy behaviors (such as substance abuse). They are also more likely to make successful suicide attempts, with the suicide rate among men being 4 times higher than in women.
Benefits of Seeking Treatment
Treatment can provide a number of important benefits, such as:
Helping you understand your condition.
Reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Enabling you to set and achieve specific wellness goals.
Improving your ability to deal with stress.
Helping improve your relationships with family and friends.
Reducing or eliminating negative or destructive behaviors, like overeating or overspending.
Peer support and group counseling can be particularly helpful and can help destigmatize mental illness. Many organizations offer assistance with mental health disorders, such as:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a free text service for people in crisis (text “NAMI” to 741-741) and a hotline (1-800-950-NAMI) to answer questions about mental health and provide referrals.
The National Institute of Mental Health offers an online behavioral health treatment locator, as well as a hotline (1-800-662-HELP) to call to receive information on mental health and referrals to treatment providers.
Here's what the Bible actually says about masculinity
As men’s mental health month draws to a close, Lau Ciocan makes the case for why churches should lead the way in addressing the crisis in male suicide and toxic masculinity.
He often asks himself what the Bible says about what it means to be a man – which can, incidentally, sometimes differ from the Church’s view, or the opinion of other Christians.
Look to the Man Jesus
There are some Bible verses that refer to specific subsections of men and how they should behave, such as the Ephesians 5:25 call for husbands to love their wives, but for a broader take on God’s view of masculinity, we need to look to Jesus.
Jesus was not afraid to express his emotions. We see him crying over the death of a friend, expressing anger when entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and being frustrated with the Pharisees’ behavior on numerous occasions. When he traveled to Bethany, to the grave of his good friend, Lazarus, he wept openly.
When the locals see Jesus’ reaction, they are touched and acknowledge: “Behold how he loved him!” (John 11:36). By expressing his emotions, Jesus places himself in an incredibly vulnerable situation. He is publicly mourning the loss of a friend. His critics could have used this moment to humiliate him but, instead, they recognise that his tears symbolize love, affection and sorrow.
In Jesus, we are shown a man who is comfortable and confident in His masculinity. His example refutes the contemporary notion that masculinity is synonymous with being emotionless – and by showing emotions, I do not necessarily mean crying. The spectrum is far broader than that, encompassing enjoyment, tranquility, sadness, grief, sorrow and joy.
Ancient Ways
In today’s modern world, we may be tempted to think that men have ‘always’ been more reserved when it comes to expressing emotions. But perhaps it is possible that, with the passing of time, we have lost some truths about how men should express how they feel.
The Toll of Suppressing Emotions
Jesus's example, and other writings, support this. Neither the Gospel’s author, John, nor those present at Lazarus’ grave side in first century Judea criticize Jesus for his public display of emotion.
Ciocan says “whether we are Christian or not, displaying our emotions does not make men weak or soft. Quite the opposite. The toll of suppressing our emotions can be high for both us and those around us. For some, it’s lethal.”
Opening Up
Men’s mental health must be discussed more within our churches. Not only to encourage men to find safe spaces to open up about their trauma or daily challenges with friends and mentors, but also from the pulpit. We need more talks about healthy masculinities (always in the plural because men are not a monolith). How we view masculinity and our attitudes to mental health varies based on our culture, ethnic or faith backgrounds.
“In Jesus, we are shown a man who is comfortable and confident in His masculinity”
Ciocan states “we should strive to create an environment where vulnerability is valued and seeking mental health support is encouraged.” This Men’s Health Month may soon be over, but talking about healthy masculinities is essential all year round.
By opening up this discussion within our communities, men can find solace, share experiences and inspire others to embrace their own journey towards mental wellbeing. This can also create a positive perception of male identity, how men can express their emotions instead of suppressing them.
Embracing masculinity, nurturing mental health and strengthening one’s faith are interconnected journeys that can lead men to experience new heights of self-discovery, benefiting them, their families and their communities.
We are all on a journey. Let’s walk it together!
Resources/References
Infographic: Mental Health for Men | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
https://www.mentalhelp.net/men/
https://www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/heres-what-the-bible-actually-says-about-masculinity-its-different-to-what-youve-heard-from-some-christians/15663.article
(1) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: African Americans. 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: African Americans | CBHSQ Data (samhsa.gov)
(2) Dalencour M, et al. “The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in the Depression Care of African Americans and Hispanics in Los Angeles.” Psychiatric Services. 2017. 68(4):368-374
Mabel Martinez-Almonte,
MA, OTR/L, NCC
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.