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Health is much more than the absence of illness. It is a state of mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational well-being. Mental health is critical to an individual's overall health and is often overlooked. For many, seeking help for emotional and mental struggles can be difficult and men are less likely to get help. Men have been taught from a young age to be tough and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. They’re expected to “man up” and figure out their problems on their own. Yet, statistics indicate that the expectation to “man up” has detrimental consequences to men’s health. Let’s talk about the statistics and some of men’s mental health needs.
· Nearly 1 in 10 men in America experience depression and anxiety. According to Mental Health America, more than 6 million men in the U.S. experience symptoms of depression every year. More than 3 million experience an anxiety disorder. · Men die by suicide 3.5 times more than women. When left untreated, depression can sometimes lead to suicidal ideation. One reason that men’s suicide rates may be higher is that men are far less likely to seek help. Their depression often presents as irritability and anger while they suffer in silence. · Around 6 out of 10 men suffer at least one trauma in their lifetime. Men are more likely to experience trauma related to physical assault, combat, accidents, or witnessing injury and death. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can take weeks, months, or even years to develop after a traumatic event. PTSD can cause many symptoms that interfere with one’s daily life such as avoiding places that are a reminder of the trauma, hypervigilance or alertness to danger, nightmares, flashbacks, relationship problems, and more. · Men are nearly twice as likely to binge drink than women. Men also have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations and are more likely to have used alcohol before committing suicide. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, there is hope! We are here to help. Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule a counseling appointment. Sources: Mental Health America mha.org; National Association on Mental Illness nami.org |
AuthorVarious staff members of Samaritan Counseling Center contribute to this blog, seeking to share news and inspiration about the power of hope, healing and forgiveness. Archives
February 2025
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