Man up!
This is the most common phrase we hear whenever we find ourselves opening up about our struggles. And the phrase is associated with the stereotype that men are stronger and can compartmentalize emotions better.
But nowadays, there is a growing acknowledgment that men are also experiencing mental issues and most of them grapple with the difficulty of finding an open mind and a willing ear to hear their concerns. A World Health Organization report in 2018 highlighted that the main thing that hinders men to seek help is the cultural stigma surrounding mental health. Because of this stigma, most men deliberately avoid seeking professional help and some of them even hide symptoms of mental illness just to intentionally keep the problem to themselves.
This is proving to be a dangerous habit. Still, according to the WHO data, more men are now committing suicide even in high-income countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. What are the most common mental health issues that men have to watch out for?
Anxiety
Severe anxiety is a common mental health issue among men. It is a state of continuous worry or severe fear about threats or situations that are not present. Normally, everyone experiences anxiety as a response to problematic situations that may arise. The level of worry that we feel is usually in proportion to the simplicity or severity of the problem. But men having severe anxiety tend to worry much about simple things or perceived threats without a logical basis. If untreated, it can leave a person paranoid and may hinder how a person lives his daily life.
Isolation/Loneliness
Men experiencing loneliness feel unhappiness when they are by themselves. But the bout of loneliness can also happen when they are with other people. A man may feel no connection with his surroundings, that he does not belong anywhere, and he is misunderstood by everyone. That is why people who endure this mental health disorder sometimes end up being violent, addicted to substances, or suicidal.
Depression
Depression is a more severe mood disorder; with a person feeling prolonged sadness spells which can extend up to years. Although it is more common in women, more men die by suicide because of this disease. Since the stigma usually prevents men to exhibit the usual symptoms of depression, they may manifest in other forms like:
- Drug or substance abuse
- Overworking
- Alcohol abuse
- Difficulty fulfilling family duties
- Taking part in risky behaviors
- Being controlling or aggressive in relationships
- Having suicidal intentions or attempting suicide
- Stress
If you are feeling physical or emotional tension while dealing with circumstances, you might be dealing with the initial signs of stress. Stress is one way of our body to respond to external stimuli or discomfort. If a person can control the amount of stress he feels, it can become an effective driving force to resolving problems or achieving plans. But if the person cannot cope with the pressure of the challenge at hand, breakdowns can happen because of stress. The most common stressor of men is work, but personal life, family responsibilities, social circumstances, and even sporting events can trigger stress.
Men already have aversion to going to the doctor for mental health check-ups but the COVID-19 pandemic made it even worse. In a survey by Movember, a men’s health charity organization, it was found out that 8 out of 10 Canadian men consider it helpful if somebody asks them if they are having a hard time. Around 40% of the respondents then revealed that no one asked how they are amid the global outbreak. Still, according to the survey, 27% of Canadian men revealed that their mental health became worse after COVID-19 struck.
What the survey shows is that mental health concern among men is real. And it would help if we start recognizing that we also need to check how they are. If it is confirmed that they are suffering from a psychological disorder, the next thing to do is to refer them to a licensed psychologist or specialist. But what if they do not want to go?
This is where online clinics can be helpful. If he does not want to personally visit a walk in clinic Brantford or any hospital for fear of other people seeing them there, he can always take advantage of the confidentiality of consulting with online doctors through the internet and using digital devices.