June is Men’s Health Month, and by association, Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s a great time for men to prioritize healthy habits, increase exercise, get check-ups and reduce stress. It’s also a critical time to think about mental well-being — something that men are often reluctant to discuss. Yet, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, substance misuse and suicidal thoughts affect millions of men each year. Data shows that men are significantly less likely than women to seek professional mental health treatment, even during a crisis.
Consider this: Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths. More than half — 60% — had no documented mental health condition at the time they took their own lives, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Whether it’s because of stigma, cultural expectations or the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness, many men struggle and suffer alone. The result of this reluctance to seek help is brutal: suicide rates are highest among men ages 75+, but suicide is also a leading cause of death for men ages 15–34.
Masked symptoms
At Marblehead Counseling Center, we see many male clients struggling with mental health issues, running the gamut from depression to PTSD to bipolar disorder and anxiety. Over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression annually, according to ADAA, with symptoms that often go undiagnosed. According to NAMI, one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half end up receiving treatment.
Additionally, more than 3 million men live with panic disorder, agoraphobia or other phobias, and more than a million have bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., with 3.5 million total diagnoses — of those diagnosed by age 30, 90% are men.
It’s also a mistake to think that someone experiencing a mental health crisis presents himself in an identifiably anxious or depressed manner. ‘Masking,’ the conscious or subconscious suppression of authentic emotions to fit societal norms, can present itself in men as explosive reactions or sudden irritability, avoidant behaviors, substance use or physical symptoms such as chronic headaches or digestive disorders. Just last month, four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux delighted fans with an appearance at the Eastern Conference Hockey Finals, carrying the torch for his former team, the Montreal Canadiens, during their Stanley Cup bid. Just days later, the 60-year old Lemieux hung himself. Those who saw Lemieux during his appearance said he seemed happy and healthy, making the news of his suicide all the more shocking.
Steps to take
Men’s Mental Health Month is closely tied with Men’s Health Month, introduced in Congress in 1994 by then-Sen. Bob Dole to bring awareness to early detection and treatment of health conditions in men, including mental health. The mental health crisis in America has helped somewhat in de-stigmatizing men’s mental health issues, but keeping an eye on loved ones — male or female — who exhibit warning signs such as explosive anger, risky behavior or complaints of physical ailments with no clear cause is also important.
It might feel scary as a man to consult a professional, but, according to NAMI, seeking help is not weakness — it’s a health decision. If you had a broken leg, you wouldn’t walk around on it, you’d see a professional. The first step is to break the silence. Discuss what’s going on with a mental health professional, such as the therapists at MCC, or talk to a trusted medical doctor if that feels easier. Share experiences and feelings with trusted family and friends. Explore treatment options such as therapy, medication or lifestyle changes and consider support groups or online therapy options — there are many new and emerging medicines and approaches that may fit what you need.
Understand that there is nothing ‘unmanly’ about struggling with mental health. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are literally millions of men dealing with mental health issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or substance use, please contact a mental health care provider, such as Marblehead Counseling Center. If you are in crisis, contact SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and treatment referrals 24/7, or the Suicide Prevention Helpline at 988, 24/7, in English and Spanish.
Warning signs in men
Men may not always express sadness directly. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, distress often shows up through behavior changes such as:
Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
Noticeable changes in mood, energy level or appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless or on edge
Increased worry or feeling stressed
Misuse of alcohol, drugs or both
Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Gregg Mulford, LMHC clinical supervisor, has been a social worker for 35 years, the last three of which have been counseling individuals, families and couples at Marblehead Counseling Center. He is a generalist who works with all populations, on a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance use, OCD, agoraphobia and bipolar disorder.
