June is Men’s Health Month. It’s also when we honor our male role models on Father’s Day. And it just may be our vision of a “male role model” that contributes to why men have difficulty addressing mental health challenges like depression, substance abuse, and chronic stress.
According to an article in Medical News Today, men in the United States may develop mental health challenges from different causes and triggers than those that affect women. Societal pressures and traditional gender roles still exist today that may cause men to think they must “display traditional ‘masculine’ traits, such as strength and control; rely on oneself and not seek help from others; not speak openly about their emotions.” *
To add to these issues, men may exhibit different symptoms of depression or chronic stress, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. Some of the coping skills men use to deal with feelings of depression, isolation, or stress may simply be viewed by society as a typical male role model, like:
- Problems getting along with others, at home or at work.
- Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or on sports.
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems and pain.
- Controlling, violent or abusive behavior.
- Irritability or anger that gets out of control. **
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic indicates that men often are not diagnosed with depression or other mental health challenges for several reasons:
• Not recognizing depression. You may think that feeling sad or emotional is always the main symptom of depression. But for many men, that isn't the main symptom.
For example, headaches, digestive problems, tiredness, irritability or long-term pain sometimes can be symptoms of depression. So can feeling isolated and seeking distraction so that you don't have to deal with feelings or relationships.
• Downplaying symptoms. You may not know how much your symptoms affect you. Or you may not want to admit to yourself or anyone else that you're depressed. But ignoring, covering up or using unhealthy behaviors to hide depression will only make the negative emotions worse.
• Not wanting to talk about depression symptoms. You may not be open to talking about your feelings with family, friends or a healthcare professional. Like many men, you may have learned to focus on self-control. You may think it isn't manly to express feelings and emotions related to depression, and you may try to cover them up.
• Not wanting to get mental health treatment. Even if you think you have depression, you may not want to be diagnosed or treated. You may not want to get help because you're worried that the stigma of depression could harm your career or cause family and friends to lose respect for you. **
As we move into Summer and traditional vacation time, we should all support the men in our lives and be aware of changes in their behavior that may indicate they are struggling with a physical or mental health challenge.
* -https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mens-mental-health#Warning-signs
**- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/male-depression/art-20046216
